POOF

Even when you know something is coming, sometimes you still can't prepare yourself for what is about to happen.

I remember the first day of school --- not mine, but my daughter's. I knew it was coming, but how do you really prepare yourself for the flurry of emotions that such momentous occasions evoke?

Well, after almost 18 years, another one of those momentous days that you try to prepare for happened. It felt a lot like the first day of school: sad to see something good come to an end, but happy to see something new and exciting begin.

Today was Pam's last day of work. Pam has been my nurse since I first opened my practice in 1992 and has blessed me and my patients with infinite kindness, gentleness, patience and love. She has undoubtedly spent more time with me than my husband in the past 17+ years yet has never even begun to utter a stern word. She has been beside me during every milestone in my medical practice --- as well as in my children's lives.

Today was another milestone marked with almost 200 cards and letters from patients who also find it difficult to adequately express their gratitude.

Some people come into our lives
and leave footprints on our hearts
and we are never ever the same.
~ Flavia Weedn