Thank You Dr. B

One of the wonders of life…like when winter turns to spring… is how you never know what surprises the next season…the next moment will bring. For instance: yesterday started out ordinary but turned in to so much more when we saw our old pediatrician exiting our grocery store. Immediately, without looking, I knew where Deborah's mind was going to go… back to those check-ups with Ryan and Dr. B…42 years ago. Deborah remembers Dr. B fondly…how she was always so knowledgeable…so calm… how she helped ease the fears and apprehensions that came with being a new mom. Skip ahead to our grandson, Damien, when the doctor we needed to see… without question in those moments…we turned to Dr. B. And we all remember Dr. B fondly…how she was so knowledgeable and calm… how she eased the fears and apprehensions of a new, much younger, mom. Yes, Dr. B was our children's pediatrician…but she was so much more than that… She was a therapist…a teacher…a friend…a confidant…a consultant…a diplomat. But when I suggested we walk over and say hi to Dr B… Deborah balked saying after all these years she won't remember me. But…"Dr. B! Is that you." I asked ignoring Deborah's anxiety with a shrug… She turned around and smiled then gave Deborah a hug. They talked a while reminiscing about those bygone days… Then Deborah thanked her not only for ours but for all the children and families she helped raise. Some people enter our lives for a short time…a brief interlude…. and are gone before we have the chance to show our gratitude. What a wonderful surprise…getting to thank Dr. B for the family she helped create… proving when it comes to gratitude… a thank you can never be delivered too late.