Compulsive? Or Something More

       Connie was characterizing what she heard from a nurse who had arrived from Chicago six weeks earlier.  The nurse, competent seeming and likable, was impressed with Kaiser and complained of ill-organized conditions in the Windy City, of too many patients per health worker, of it being impossible to attend a patient's needs in an orderly and exacting way; nurses would shortcut.

       "You're compulsive," said Connie.

       I waited for the nurse's response with interest.

       "Thorough," she said.

       Thankful I was, and for more than just the care of my wife.  There was dignity and pride in that word.