Yesterday was one of the those days when life really throws something at you, something you’d never ever envision, let alone expect. We’ve had a great dentist for coming up on ten years. I found him right out of the phone book when we moved to Midlothian from the Fan, randomly choosing the practice because it was close and the people seemed friendly. After one visit he was my dentist for sure, no matter how far away he was. He truly was an ordinary man who did things in an extraordinary way.
No one likes visiting the dentist, but Dr. Randall King and his staff made it so downright pleasant that I’d always leave feeling happier than when I came in. I truly enjoyed going in, and Sam did, too. How many small children actually like going to the dentist? It wasn’t a fluke. He had a way of making you feel special, like you were his only patient on the planet. He was the opposite of a “king,” so jovial and down-to-earth with a remarkably upbeat attitude and zest for life. Gosh, he was only 4 years older than me, 48-years-old.
Around the last time of my last cleaning, I found out he was out sick for a few months with some sort of heart problems. It was hard to believe that this energetic guy who was only 48-years-old had a serious illness. Then we got a card in the mail saying that he had sold his dental practice. Yee gads! I knew he had a wife and two boys whom he adored — and he was only 48-years-old! (In case I hadn’t mentioned his age enough!) Since then I hadn’t been into the office to ask how he was doing and follow up although I meant to do so. Gosh, I wish I’d followed up. Why was I too busy to do that?
Yesterday at church I ran into his sweet hygenist. As the church cleared out, I called to her, “How is Dr. King doing?” She looked startled and said quietly, “I’m sorry to tell you that he passed away in June.” Passed away? In June? What? Really? I’ve been in a tailspin ever since. His poor family!
Wow! I’m still just speechless, and that’s a rare event. Last night I got on Legacy.com and read his obituary. After reading the many heartfelt comments, I realized he managed to make every patient feel like he/she was his only one. And he’d been doing this for 17 years.
God bless you, Dr. King and your family in dealing with such a devastating loss. You were truly an extraordinary man who made us all better people by knowing you. You’ve inspired us to try to be extraordinary, too. May you rest in peace.