E DO NOT ALWAYS REALIZE the impact a person has had in our lives until they have moved on and left us with only memories. Such was the case with the late Victor B. Fain and myself.

Mr. Fain has been described as a gentle giant, a man whose pen was mightier than the sword, and a wonderful man who enriched the lives of all those around him. He was a legend in his own time and a community leader like no other in his lifelong home of Nacogdoches, Texas. He was a journalist with ethics, and a man with kindness woven throughout his entire being. I did not know all these wonderful things about Mr. Fain the first time I met him, nor did I realize what an influence he would have on my life. I was simply doing my job as patient advocate at CHRISTUS Schumpert-Bossier when this gentle giant entered my life.

I walked into his room and was immediately drawn to this man, who had eyes that spoke volumes of wisdom, kindness and wit. I asked him if there was anything we could do to make him more comfortable. He beamed, then chuckled and praised our hospital. Mr. Fain was with us for 19 days, and I visited with him and his wife daily. They were a pleasure to get to know and I felt myself drawn to them and their ability to make sense out of the chaos life had thrown their way.

The brilliance, compassion and character of our medical community astounded Mr. Fain and his wife. They were as drawn to Bossier City as I was to them. They came to Bossier City for health care, and eventually moved here.

We developed a deep friendship. My husband, son and I were blessed to be included in Mr. and Mrs. Fain’s family. We shared holidays and birthday celebrations, as well as difficult times. Mr. Fain spent many days in and out of the hospital because his body was not as strong as his spirit.

I had the privilege of being called to Mr. Fain’s bedside several times during his last hospitalization. His health was fragile, but he continued to teach life’s lessons, even from his hospital bed. His dignity, sense of humor and humility remained intact.

Mrs. Fain shared her dying husband’s last few minutes with me. Together, we watched Mr. Fain’s transition from this world to the next. The experience was sorrowful, yet serene. He died with his wife—the love of his life—at his side. She had ensured his passage was peaceful and dignified.

I am convinced each person who enters our lives does so for a reason. “Why,” I asked myself, “had Mr. Fain been brought into my life and then taken away so quickly?”

After reflecting on this question, I decided that Mr. Fain had taught me many lessons through his actions and words: believe in others; look for the humor in every situation; make time for those you love; have no regrets; and keep your eyes, ears and heart open to the lessons each person you meet can teach you. And last, but certainly not least—that gentleness is a powerful asset.

Lisa Reynolds
director
Patient Advocacy
CHRISTUS Schumpert-Bossier
Bossier City, Louisiana