One night I sat for four hours with a patient who had severe OCD. It was if there was no room left in her mind for any thoughts other than her compulsions. Lights on and off, on and off. Table moved forward, then back. Drinks requested, then put away. repetitive questions about her care. What time is my medicine? My snack? My medicine? She had a strength in name recollection and mastered mine quickly, and addressed me by name every few minutes with her next polite request. I found myself humbled by the severity of her illness. And as always, there was some fragment that I could relate to so personally that I thought, There but for the grace of God go I. In stark relief, one more damn good reason not to be ruled by one's obsessions, even the small ones. "Remember to leave room for so much else," I told myself sitting in that small hospital room. Not that she had had a choice, I realize that, but still she can be my teacher. Remember.