Henry David Thoreau wrote about a lot of things but I try to live by this quote. I have had the honor of serving thousands of patients and getting to play a part in many lives. I try to learn something personal about each patient to remember them better and remind myself we are all humans. Working at the same location for 24 years has also allowed me to develop very strong relationships and it’s amazing what we can learn from patients besides the medical interaction.
Unfortunately I have also had patients die and yesterday one of the sweet ladies I have known for 22 years passed. I was able to visit her for a few hours earlier this month at home as she was no longer my ‘patient’ and able to share with her the things she had taught me! I also just saw her 3 days ago getting ice cream for the last time since we live near each other. (Often I see patients when I’m running errands, etc) My ex-patient really wanted to go skydiving again before she died but did not get the opportunity. This weekend I am going skydiving, and as excited as I am, I also feel some sorrow.
I really don’t have a bucket list. I try to do things when I think of them and make plans for now. Over the years, but even more so recently, I have learned you never know what tomorrow might bring so live large today! Meet up with friends and family when you can, make time for self care and work less.
I wrote all of the above and then my dog started acting really strange. We have had Lily for 12 years. Took her to the vet and she was getting worse from what the veterinarian said was likely a brain tumor, so we ultimately chose to put her down. She had a great last day. I guess she did not want to stay with a new family when we move. 🥺
Nobody gets out of dying, so I guess make the most of your one life! I know I AM!
(and please no comments about how sad we all are about my dog. I know we all have felt loss and it just sucks)
