A patient was talking about people who cheat at checkout registers, saying there are no consequences when someone leaves without paying. She said, “They don’t even call the police!”

My physical therapist repeated a story a man told him. He used the self-check line at Walmart. Everything went as usual until he finished paying and started to walk away. Suddenly the alarm at the register went off, and he froze. He knew he had paid correctly, but he didn’t know what to do. An employee nearby saw his hesitancy and yelled, “RUN!!”

The other patients and I laughed, but I’ll bet we all wanted to know what happened. Since the first comment prompted the second story, the answer must be that nothing happened. Nearly all the patients I’ve seen have joined in the banter, making the hour fly by. Most of us come three times a week, so we have met each other a time or so, as our appointments overlap.

The therapist and office manager are full of fun, but they are also sensitive to people’s needs. If someone doesn’t join in, there is no pressure. I’ve noticed one man struggles to do his exercises. He works really hard, because he has much to overcome. When he leaves, the therapist always bumps fists with him, telling him he has done a good job. The office manager comes around her desk and gives him a strong hug. It is touching that they are so very supportive. They have made it a place of joy and healing.