Posted by Phil on March 15, 1999 at 17:44:29:
Mr. Smith was brought to Mercy Hospital (a Catholic hospital), and
taken
quickly in for coronary surgery. The operation went well and, as the
groggy
man regained consciousness, he was reassured by a Sister of Mercy, who
was
waiting by his bed.
"Mr. Smith, you're going to be just fine," said the nun, gently patting
his
hand. "We do need to know, however, how you intend to pay for your stay
here.
Are you covered by insurance?" "No, I'm not," the man whispered
hoarsely.
"Then can you pay in cash?" persisted the nun. "I'm afraid I cannot,
Sister."
"Well, do you have any close relatives?" the nun questioned sternly.
"Just my
sister in New Mexico," he volunteered. "But she's a humble spinster nun."
"Oh,
I must correct you, Mr. Smith. Nuns are not spinsters - they are married
to
God." "Wonderful," said Mr. Smith. "In that case, please send the bill
to my
brother-in-law."