Have you thanked your doctor lately? How about all those other really important people in your life, who truly contribute to your happiness and well-being.
My doctor just retired. It was a moment. She's been my doctor since I moved to this city at the age of 27. She meant a great deal to me. I think I told her that in person, regularly. In posting it here, I am addressing it to doctors everywhere. I am also writing this here to inspire you to pause and appreciate those key people in your life.
Dear Doc,
Thank you. You make a difference.
I am sure your days are filled with people complaining, being impatient at having to wait, experiencing all kinds of anxiety at hearing a test result...and there you are, plugging away and greeting each of us like we are the first person you have seen that day.
I want you to know -- in case I don't say it often enough -- you are very important to me. You are as valued as my friends are to me. You attend to me physically, and you also help me be better emotionally. Everything you say, and how you say it, makes a difference in my day.
You greeted me as a new patient to you, who was also new to this city and to a brand new phase of my life. You gave me the news that I was expecting both of my children, and you cared for us through those pregnancies and all of the follow-up care. Even though you were no longer taking patients, you accepted my request to see my mother who was in the early stages of cognitive dementia and fearful of what was in store for her. You took on my daughter as a patient as she developed into womanhood, and you even allowed me to ask questions about her during my own appointments. You have allowed me to breathe easier when I found 'something', somewhere on my body, and you were able to put my mind to rest about that thing.
I hope you know - and always know - that you have added to my life in immeasurable ways. I will always remember you with fond thoughts.
You are not replaceable, but I hope I am able to find someone just like you. Someone who chose this career path because she or he had a passion for helping people continue to be better. Someone who is caring, kind, considerate and brutally honest when that is required! Someone who truly sees me, hears me. and values me as I will see, hear and value them.
Thank you, Doc! High Five to you!
Warm Regards, Deri
So, who can you send a letter to today?
ALSO ON HUFFPOST:
