D’s Company

Today I shall introduce you to D. you have already met P – my boss. D is one of the other psychologists who consult at my place of work – one with whom I have never really had much interaction. But since examinations finished up, we have reworked our shifts, and I find myself working increasingly with D and his clients.

D is a pleasant soul, in the early forties with a curly brown mop of hair and a cherubic, smiling, plump face. His body, like his hand writing, is neat, slightly squarish and yet rounded at the same time. Not too tall to be over bearing – should D cross you in the street, you would probably overlook him as your average “guy next door”. Sometimes he sports the shadow of a beard, then often he turns up clean shaven, revealing a charming dimple every time he smiles.

The first thing that strikes you about D when you work with him, is his unbelievable level of organization. He is efficient, without coming across as a control freak. His filing is perfect, his notes are impeccable and he never needs a single reminder. On many an occasion I have found him able to gently correct us admin girls on client billings, appointments and communication.

D walks into the office early, settles his things, then comes around to have a little chat. His favorite topic being his work – he counsels with the Hepatitus group of the Queensland Health Department and often talks about his latest projects and endeavours. Once he confided in me that he prefers fourteen hour work days, thrice a week, just because it allows him to have four days off. Initially I remained unconvinced – but the next week I found myself opting for a straight twelve hour shift, so I could take an extra day off!

When it gets busy, with multiple calls, clients, invoices and practitioners – all flapping around your head and creating havoc together – D will be very happy to pick up phones, make appointments and even fetch the latest customer a cup of coffee. All garnished with his trademark easy going air and dimpled smile!

D has the memory of an elephant – he never forgets anything!! I once asked him the secret behind his methodical approach and he admitted to me that he had a hidden suspicion for all technology. So while I used electronic schedulers and billing systems – he swore by his little diary! Often we’d spar over the subject – I was of the opinion that he was frozen in time, whilst he was certain that I would eventually see his point!

On a night that we get late – D insists on driving me home – regaling me with snippets from his college and home. He once revealed to me that he was quite content to squander away the hours watching ants crawl by, or the leaves blowing in the wind. Unlike P’s nervous energy, D has a restfulness about him that is inordinately soothing. He reflects the solidarity and maturity of a being that has done its thinking, rebelling and adventures. And while you are harbour such respectful thoughts about him, he smiles boyishly and his impish dimple chases away the staid image in your mind!

D really had his day today though – the server crashed (Did Murphy’s famous laws EVER tell you about how computers can find innovative ways to confound you??!) and we were unable to track any appointments from last week. As I wrung my hands and muttered some unfit-for-repetition type of expletives at the monitor, D came to the rescue, brandishing his “little black book.” He even had the decency to hide the “I told you so” look while we hapless technology-addicted souls gleaned the information we needed. It was easy to source the required information – D’s notes were made both alphabetically and chronologically. Unbelievable! I cant even make a shopping list correctly!

He often strikes me as a curious contradiction – his work takes him into the basest of human existence, yet his demeanour and philosophy lend him the look of an untouched soul. His gentle, friendly existence successfully hides his unbelievably high level of organisation

Suddenly the reason for D’s placidity was revealed to me – he is a mere visitor in this wired world – he comes from a place where leaves rustle, dogs fetch, jazz music is played to be appreciated, and the inhabitants have found way to keep the mania of the “real” world at bay!