Dealing with inappropriate comments
I had gone to visit the lovely man in the hospital every day. I knew his condition was terminal, and as his pastor, these moments were precious.
The nurse came in and I started to excuse myself. But the patient said, “Don’t leave.” Then turning to the nurse, he introduced me. “Betty, I want you to meet my girlfriend, Carol.”
I laughed, stretched out my hand to shake the nurse’s and said, “Actually, I’m the REVEREND Carol Howard Merritt, his PASTOR. You can call me Carol, but he is not allowed to call me ‘girlfriend.’” I gave him a stern sideways glance and shook my head.
