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Most of the town folks here
in Ponca City, Oklahoma simply called their family doctor, Dr. Bob. The
affectionate title was an acknowledgement as to the man's easy going care
he gave to his patients. However, make no mistake, there wasn't anything
easy going in the way he took on the treatment and care of a most wide
range of ailments. His office was always packed. There was hardly ever a
place left to sit.
The old fashioned
atmosphere with tile on the floor dating back to the 1930's made no
attempt to impress. Nor was there entertainment with soft music. Not a
decor of luxurious decoration was present. All was so simple. The
patients evidently didn't mind though since they were ever faithful and
loyal to their doctor, no matter they didn't always understand his far
ahead thinking. Those ideas as they first started were not common, but as
they became successful more and more of the medical community picked up on
them and used his ideas as to diet, etc.
There was one room that was
decorated and this was the children's room. Covering the wall were the
Looney Toon characters we all know. There was Daffy Duck, Bugs Bunny and
so on.
There will be no medals
presented posthumously, I'm sure. Doctor Bob was a small man, but
physical characteristics had nothing to do with the giant of a man he was
as to personal courage. His staff surrounding him was equally as honed to
an almost military like small army who would have literally given their
life for the man. They were ready to risk everything when it came to the
dedication to him and his work.
During the time I was
fortunate enough to be treated by him I did have an opportunity to briefly
enjoy the love and power behind his wish to have well patients. Attending
lectures he gave once a week gave me a
totally different viewpoint as to diet and the management of stress in my
life. He made his point easily and matter of fact until anyone could
understand and be inspired to follow his advice.
As Dr. Bob leaves us we
are reminded that he was one of the last old time doctors. Their methods
of treatment are forever gone now. They lived in the time when one walked
in, received a careful diagnosis, walked out with a prescription and in a
few days would be back to wellness.
If you visit with someone
who used Dr. Gibson there will always be a story forth coming as to
something Dr. Bob said or did.
My daughter remembers going
to him. She was coughing with a cough she couldn't seem to shake. Dr. Bob
stuck his head around the waiting room door and asked, "Whose coughing in
here?" When the nurse explained he simply said, "She's next."
There will be many people
in this community who will notice the quietness around the clinic where
Dr. Bob practised. Instead of a busy place where people did overflow the
office and sometimes waited in their cars, the old Clinic sets quietly
alone now.
Sleep well, Dr. Bob. The
battle you fought to care for your people was more than admirable as to
courage and daring. For my own life given me since the year 1975 when
other doctors told me, "maybe nine months," How can one say thank you for
being able to live and see their children and grandchildren. Nevertheless,
thank you, and sleep Well Dr. Bob. You deserve the rest.
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