BUT I WOULD KNOW

 4100

Some time in the 20^th century, there was a college president who had served for quite some time, who was nearing the seventh decade of his life, and who had reached the difficult decision to retire at the end of the current school year.

“Dr. Kimmel” could often be seen walking around the neighborhood with his wife. Sadly, “Anna” had developed early Alzheimer’s Disease, and had not only forgotten her husband’s name, but her own. She was utterly dependent on a caretaker during the day, and her husband in the evening.

A few weeks before the end of the semester, Dr. Kimmel met with his official board for the final time. None of them were caught off guard when he handed the chancellor his formal resignation, and board members had already charted a course of action to persuade him to stay on another year.

“Dr. Benson” spoke.

“Charlie, we’d like you to reconsider your decision to leave at this time. Under your leadership the college has thrived. We have not only built three new wonderful academic and office buildings, the student population has increased by fifty percent, and our profitability is up two fold.”

He continued.

Dr. Kimmel, we are prepared to offer you a twenty percent raise, and additional retirement benefits; if you can see your way clear to remain on board another year.”

The president sighed, and paused a moment before speaking to the prestigious group of men and women.

“I’m sorry, Kent. I wish I could accommodate you. I can’t tell you how flattered I am that you have plotted against me this way.” (And he could not help but chuckle). “However, however I simply cannot stay. You know that Anna has decompensated badly the past couple of years, and if she ever needed me, she needs me now.”

It seems Dr. Benson would simply not take ‘No’ for an answer.

“But Charlie, you can always double up on caregivers for your wife. You have as much as admitted that Anna no longer recognizes you. And anyone can do whatever you have felt compelled to do, and

…She would simply never know.”

By now, Dr. Kimmel’s eyes were brimming with tears, and clearing his throat, he replied,

“Yes, but I would know.”

by William McDonald, PhD