[Additional information for potential readers added by author 14DEC21: This book has specific examples of the dangers of certain insurance and government group efforts to limit medical care unjustly and immorally. We all are impacted by the medical care we receive. If not directly, through a family member or friend. It appears that these powerful, related factors are suppressing the rating of this book for their crony-capitalistic objectives. I am all for capitalism, but not when powerful, uncaring third parties, step in between the physicians/nurse practitioners and the patient and limit medical care. We must understand what these "gatekeepers" are doing to us, the vulnerable patient. If we allow these entities to have the ultimate decision-making power, we lose are most important advocates. I am a physician and a patient. Help me get this message out.] From Kirkus Review: "These meandering stories remain memorable and rewarding, collectively dovetailing with universal lessons about love, family, compassion, the misfortune of random calamity, and living life to the fullest." - Kirkus Reviews Bruce Short, M.D. was unexpectedly medically retired from the practice of medicine in the spring of 2012 at the age of 61. He went from having a busy internal medicine practice for the previous 35 years to having nothing to do except see his own multitude of doctors. Down in his lonely man cave he initially web surfed and took many online courses on computer programming and artificial intelligence. He remained lost. He came face-to-face with the wall of reality that study alone was not enough. He finally figured it out. He needed to create, but what? He decided to write a book, a book for his kids and grandkids, which transitioned into a book for his previous patients and then the public. His book has many life lessons that you can start using today. "You Must Look Behind 'The Curtain'" and "Mark Change for Time" are only two of many that will change your life immediately-forever. In addition, there are patient stories that will make you laugh out loud, smile with a warmth that reaches deep into your soul, and a few that probably will make you cry. The laugh, the smile, the cry; all connect our souls. This is the way we touch. What is more important? These uncontrollable communications effervesce faster than our conscious mind can put spin on them-they show the true us, extend us far beyond our physically defined human universe. This proves that we are so much more. Dr. Short experienced all these emotions, relived them, while writing his book. All the chapters have life lessons that we all face. As you read his book you will visualize and feel what he felt while being a full-time doctor, a man cloaked in scientific knowledge, denoted by a boldly embroidered name and title over his heart on a long, crisp-white coat; then in one heartbeat becoming a full-time patient. Only being covered by the flimsy, it-ties-in-the-back-please gown changes one's view in more ways than one. His essays contain actual patient encounters, both his successes and his failures. He writes with appropriate self-deprecating humor, but also with sadness on his failures and what he learned from them. It was Dr. Short's "knowledge" that tore his thick cloak of innocence to shreds. The knowledge that he did not have an answer made him feel completely exposed. Where does he find soul-warming comfort without hope? He must give up his control and become a patient, a good patient. Can he? What else must he do? This doctor's insights and experiences will resonate with anyone who has been a patient or a medical professional or is reflecting on the meaning of life, love and human kindness. Lastly as an added bonus, he reflects on where our computers are taking us. His conclusion and warning will shock you.