One of the reasons we chose Germany rather than Mexico, besides the fact that Ruth is of German heritage, had to do with certain stereotypes. We pictured the Mexican clinics amidst the noise and pollution of Tijuana, perhaps not as clean or tidy as one would hope. Germany seemed more likely to be neat and organized and efficient. Certainly the town of Bad Mergantheim is a wonderful plus, with its parks and medieval churches, even a castle and a museum within walking distance. It is peaceful and well organized. So is the clinic itself.

This is just one example. Ruth's room number is 128 (the same as our house number on Slocum Avenue in Webster Groves). Next to the bed is a little red button to push in case one has an emergency or needs to see the nurse. This is rather standard. Near the door is another button, a green one. I was puzzled as to what that might be. I learned that when one pushes the red button, the warning buzzer goes off in the nurse's station, and will continue to go off until the green button is pushed, in person, in Ruth's room. I don't know this for certain, but I wouldn't doubt if there were a device that records which rooms called for help, and how long it took until the green button was pushed.

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