grimmer monday

Dealing with the problems of loved ones is one thing; one's own problems naturally are even more onerous. Yesterday a young man whom I know well sat down and regarded me coolly before speaking.
"I thought you should know I'm thinking of suing you, but I felt I wanted to have it out with you face to face before I did anything."
Not a good start, then. He went on to expound at length his grievance, which was long and complex. Some years ago, apparently, I had mistreated him in some way that had caused him to develop an ulcer, which later perforated, nearly bringing about his death. I advised him that his version of events would be challenged vigorously in court should it get that far, which was highly unlikely in view of the circumstances. His manner and delivery were extremely insulting as well as being factually inaccurate, and I was about to call a halt to proceedings, intending to close with a line like:
"You go to your lawyer then. It's your right, but I warn you it won't get you very far." But he had one more brickbat to hurl:
"I heard about your son, by the way. So sad he died like that, of a heroin overdose."
This, as they say, was the last straw. Angrily I pointed out that an exhaustive post mortem and subsequent inquest had been unable to find a cause of death and that a toxicology screen had failed to show any drugs in his system, prescription or otherwise. And with that I threw him out fairly unceremoniously. But I was left badly shaken by the incident. This morning I apprised my practice manager of the events of the previous day; she relayed it to the senior partner who, much to my gratification, was horrified. She examined the records and confirmed my own belief that there was no foundation to the young man's accusations. But it was his parting shot that disgusted her most of all. She intimated that bringing personal issues of the doctor into the consulting room was completely out of order, and ordered him to be struck off the list immediately. I have to say that on hearing this news my day brightened considerably.