Introduction

It was years ago, 1986 to be exact, when a dear friend took me and my third baby, Brian to see the oldest living practicing pediatrician in the world, Dr. Leila Daughtry-Denmark. Having a new baby and all that it entails along with a 4 and 6 year old was beginning to take its toll. Having the common complaints that most new parents have namely, sleep deprivation motivated my friend to show me that life could be better.
As we drove 1 1/2 hours to the northside of Atlanta, I was ready to accept any advise that would help me get more sleep, resolve colic and basically help me get back on track caring for the rest of my family.
I arrived to find a lovely 100 year old farmhouse housing the pediatric office, sitting on acreage and next door a beautiful southern mansion, being the home place for Dr. Denmark. Inside we were greeted by a very clean room consisting of practical seating and plenty of room for little ones to play on the floor. Sitting in the room were nursing mothers, holding small children, and watching over well behaved little ones. A small table with an old quaint lamp that was lite held the sign in sheet. A small woman in her 80's, very alert, eager to see the next child, speaking with a low but firm voice opened the door saying "Who's the next angel?"
When it was my turn to go in, as we had waited till the other families who had signed in before, we entered into a small white washed clean room with a desk and examining table along with antique doctors tools used to check temperatures, scales to weigh and clear jars full of cotton and swabs. Dr. Denmark asked "What is your complaint today about this little One?" I suddenly felt so at ease watching this older very wise woman gently scan my child's head, neck, then abdomen, checking for any inconsistencies. As she felt for abnormalities she began to tell me ways to help my baby be the best he could be, giving me advise that mothers hope for but never receiving answers to common parenting issues.
Her charge for the visit that day was $6. As we continued our regular happily anticipated visits to see the dear Dr. Denmark she eventually increased her charge to $8, making sure that every parent had affordable medical care. Interestingly enough, each time we drove into the oak tree covered gravel drive, there would be the signs of families that were middle and esp. upper income. Fathers in suits would be sitting with their child, mothers driving new Volvo's and children dressed well. This was a place that well educated parents felt like they were getting the best care on earth for their children.