Tribute to Dr. E. Scott Elliott
by Patricia Burris, Independence, Virginia
Albert Schweitzer wrote “The fundamental idea of good is thus, that it consists in preserving life, in favoring it, in wanting to bring it to its highest value.” This great physician and humanitatian constantly practiced his often referred to “Reverence for Life.”
Perhaps it is through the practice of reverence for life that one becomes good, gains compassion, and develops the gift of true love for one’s fellowman.
Dr. E. Scott Elliott had a reverence for life and capacity for compassion and love that served to endear him to all who were fortunate enough to have known him.
The battered black bag with adhesive taped wounds, the gentle rattle of the medicine bottles, and the kindly, reassuring laugh are more vivid memories than the chicken pox, measels and broken bones they saw us through. As children, they held near-magic qualities of security and assurance for many of us.
Dr. Elliott was never JUST a doctor. He was friend, relative, neighbor. He never set himself apart. He’s laughed when we laughed and cried when we cried.
There are stories of impossible trips in the snow, of all night vigils, of tears shed at birth and death, of a marvelous sense of humor, of skill – but most of all – of love.
As we recall our individual memories, we should say a prayer of thanksgiving that all of us who knew him were fortunate enough to have been touched and taught by his influence. He was always there when we needed him.
How can we ever pay tribute? What could we ever do or say that would be enough….that would be adequate? Somehow, perhaps he knew how much we loved and appreciated him.
For these and endless other reasons [as varried and countless as the numbers who recall him], we lovingly dedicate the 1983 Independence Day Celebration, Independence, Grayson County, Virginia, to our beloved “DOC.” – Dr. E. Scott Elliott.