After we bid each other an emotional farewell with a warm hug and I sat in my car tearful, trying to recover, I pondered how some farewells are harder to say than others. This one was.
The saying goes, "People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime." But this teddy bear of a 6 feet 5 inches tall young man, a gentle giant, my PCP, came into my life for a reason soon after we moved to Houston from the UK, stayed for a season of over 25 years, and will remain in my heart, thoughts, and prayers for a lifetime.
Dr. A, a family practitioner with Kelsey Seybold ( about a five-minute drive), put our family at ease straightaway with a warm handshake, a beaming smile, a charming South American accent, a comforting bedside manner, and courteous ways. Whenever a member of our family visited him, he would enquire about the rest of us and ask to convey his regards and best wishes to them.
Once he put us at ease, he would enquire about the reason for our visit, make eye contact, give his full attention, and listening ears. He would make detailed notes in his file and then do the needful. His diagnosis was spot on, and he didn't prescribe meds unless necessary, neither did he type away furiously on his computer while listening to me. He reminded me of doctors in India who use a holistic approach when treating their patients.
Thus began a meaningful association of a caring, loyal, and respectful friendship.
Dr. A's waiting room was always busy, and he seemed to be liked by many patients. His popularity kept growing so he decided to go solo, moved to Katy, and established an independent, tastefully decorated, modern office. Although we had to drive 30-35 minutes to visit him, we continued to see Dr. A. As the number of his patients increased, so did the waiting time to be seen by him. Thankfully, his holistic approach never changed. He still handwrites his notes!
As often is the case, in 2012, our insurance changed, and we couldn't have Dr. A as our PCP for three/four years. Though the new PCPs were good, I missed his way of caring. However, once back with Dr. A, we resumed our relationship where we had left.
About 18 months ago, to our surprise, Dr. A announced that he would like to reduce the number of his patients to retire early and that we should look for a new PCP. Hubby found a doctor closer to our home and bid goodbye to Dr. A.
Of late, I found the commute and waiting period very tiring, but I continued to visit him. At the end of last year, I noticed that Dr. A, only in his mid-late to fifties, had started wearing hearing aids, his reflexes a little slower, and was just not his usual self.
I realized that though I had imagined seeing him forever, it was time for me to look for a doctor closer to home. Fortunately, I found Dr. M, a young lady doctor, chose her as my PCP, and am hoping to build a healthy relationship. Dr. M's and my association may not be similar to what I have with Dr. A, but I am determined not to compare.
Yesterday, I made that call, I didn't want to, but had to, no matter how painful. to inform the receptionist about leaving Dr. A's practice and requested a visit.
Today, I visited the gentle giant to show my deep appreciation for his care and his friendship, wish him the very best in life, and say my farewell in person.
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