Growing up, there was a kid in school who was affectionately known as “the king of all useless information.”
(No, it wasn’t me)
He would share little factoids of meaningless import or consequence.
In a lifetime, you wouldn’t need to know or make use of any his ‘valuable’ data.
Though my restless mind has little tolerance for useless details, I nonetheless appreciated his passionate presentations and the inimitable style he employed in conveying these all important tidbits.
Well, they say history is cyclical (and often cynical) and today, I’ve got a new source and disseminator of such arcane trivia. He is my son.
So when he tested me this morning on the proper definition of “Ramparts” from the Star Spangled Banner, I had absolutely no clue.
To be sure, I knew it had something to do with fortified walls which would protect cities from would be invaders, but as to the exact definition, I was at a loss.
Of course, I could sing the entire song with all of its flourishes, but that wasn’t going to be sufficient to placate the kid.
My first inclination was to bob and weave like a helpless ring buoy in the hopes that he’d go away.
Then I had an epiphany.
You see, one of the things I’m appreciative for at Regency Nursing and Post acute Rehab Centers, is how we all work together for the sake of our residents.
Often times, I get asked difficult questions by prospective patients and their families, regarding the minutia of insurance coverage and Medicare/Medicaid regulations.
I don’t always have the answers.
In these situations, I will state honestly and candidly that I’m not entirely sure and do not wish to talk out of turn, but will obtain the right answer with a promise to touch base.
I then call my mentors, Marlene or Terri who are superstar Admissions Directors at our Regency Heritage Nursing and Rehab Center in Somerset, NJ. They will always have the information I’m looking for.
I also have the option of calling the folks at our corporate office in Lakewood, NJ, because they know everything too.
There is no shame in admitting that you don’t always have the answers.
So instead of bending myself into contortions, I promised the eager child that I’d get back to him with a proper response.
Marlene, Terri, if you’re reading this, let me know what you think about “RAMPARTS!!”
