Recently I was having yet another bout of insomnia at around 1 in the morning (that happens quite a bit) and decided to get up and do some browsing on the Web.
While on Google, I "happened" to find my way to a Doctors Review site. It got me thinking about a doctor I had met many years ago when I ended up in the emergency ward at 5 AM with what I thought at the time was either a heart attack or stroke (it was neither, just a lot of stress-related physical symptoms...long story).
Back to the "thank you" theme of this post. After finding this doctor's name on the review site and reading many glowing (they really were) reviews (and not one negative one!) from patients he had treated and cared for over the years, I decided to try to locate an email address for him. I wanted to send a note of thanks for his kindness and compassion on that very difficult night, so many years ago.
My email:
Many years ago, I ended up at the ..... Hospital emergency room at around 5AM, suffering from what I thought at the time was either a heart attack or stroke (it was neither, just way too much stress in my life). I had the good fortune to have you as the emergency room doctor who attended to me that night.
I was reading some reviews of doctors and came across your name. I vividly remember you and that night. You were so kind, professional and reassuring, I never forgot it. It appears from the reviews I was reading tonight, that I am not the only one who has been impressed by how you conduct yourself as a doctor. If I didn’t thank you that night (Oct. 1998) I just wanted to say that now. My sincere thanks to you for helping me so much on what was probably the most difficult night of my life. I lived to tell the tale though! I’m so glad you were there.
And the Dr.'s reply:
Thank you so much for your kind words! You made my day Geraldine. I will speaking to my Dad later today (both of my folks are well) and I will pass on your greetings.
Take care. R....
I've left out the names for confidentiality. Coincidentally, I happened to know his parents, wonderful people.
It left me with such a good feeling to have been able to reconnect and to express my sincere appreciation, after all these years. I needed the care of a truly compassionate and professional doctor that night and that's exactly what happened.
If there's someone who you've always wanted to say thanks to and it got forgotten along the way for whatever reason, it really is worth the time and small effort to write a note, email or make a phone call. I'm so glad that I did....
9 comments:
Thanks for sharing this beautiful story Geraldine. Just makes me smile to know that you were able to reconnect.
Such a beautiful experience! It has happened to me too...Some days back I sent an email asking forgiveness from someone I had inadvertently hurt...she was quite surprised to know that I remembered the incident and cared to apologize...it felt good....we should never leave important things unsaid :)
I agree completely. It's important to apologise, to say thank you, to let people know. It's a positive way to live ones life and something we should all strive for.
Thanks for this post. This person who is done with docs is grateful for a straw of hope.
Hi Teri, It made me smile too Teri!
Hi Tulika,And thank you for sharing your story Tulika. It's not just about thanks I agree, but anything not said that should be. You never know when the opportunity won't be there and we can live to regret it for a long time. I know about stories along those lines too. ;<(
Hi Cathy, Thanks friend. It is a positive way to live life, I agree.
Hi SandyC, I'm not much of a doctor fan myself, the allopathic route that is but I've been blessed to have known a wonderful GP who was an angel in disguise for over 20 years. J...and the doctor in this post are what they are suppose to be all about: caring compassionate,not pushing pills for every ailment,taking the time to listen...I have been asked so many times where I had found a doctor like J....he's getting ready to retire soon I believe, it's going to be such a loss. So, there is good people in all professions we just hear too much about the bad ones.
Happy Mid-Week and Thank You for stopping by. Your visits are always appreciated. I'm glad I said that too!!! G
that is so cool. and i love-love that you allowed us to read the correspondence. i'm all about primary sources:)
You should take the time to say "thank you" even if it's a long time afterwards. I'm glad this doctor was there for you. He sounds like one of the good guys. There are some doctors who fall short of the mark.
This post touched me deeply - beautiful experience! It reminds me of this: There's a lot of nice things in the world, and if we are open, we can receive them. Thanks...
Hi Ed, Thanks so much! I agree, having the "real deal" when it comes to any kind of quotes and references makes it more authentic. I was happy to share this correspondence. I hope I've inspired some readers too.
Hi Joe, This doctor is definitely one of the "good guys". Knowing his parents, I'm not surprised though, they are wonderful people too.
Hi Petr, Welcome to Happy Break and thanks for your thoughtful comment.
Happy Thursday, G :<)
Post a Comment