Dear Dr. M.,
You, Dr. M., are the doctor that I never knew I needed. When my husband and I were about to become parents, friends would ask, “Who is going to be your pediatrician?” We got asked this question multiple times. I honestly didn’t think it was that big of a deal–I was more focused on surviving my first pregnancy and delivery. Thank goodness my husband realized how important it was, he asked his friends for recommendations, and we found you.
It was you who gave my husband and me much-needed words of affirmation during the first few months of parenthood. You told us our daughter was “perfect” and we were “doing great!” as first-time parents. You were the one who realized her high fever might be the result of a urinary tract infection when she was 8 months old and recognized as she became a toddler that she might be a highly sensitive child.
For a couple of years, my husband took our daughter to her yearly checkups, and I didn’t see you.
When I was finally in your office again, you were just as energetic, direct, and encouraging as before. I had called your practice to let you know we were having another baby. You congratulated me, and I smiled and thought, “How lucky are we?” as we were about to enter the newborn phase again with you by our side.
Exactly one month after our second daughter was born, we had an unexpected death in the family. My father-in-law passed away, and his death destroyed my husband. He could barely function–let alone care for a newborn. During those months, I looked forward to every appointment I had with you. You knew things were hard at home, and you gave me the support that I needed. Every newborn check-up was like a mini therapy session and a boost of serotonin.
Thank you, Dr. M., for your hugs, genuine praise, reassurance, and, of course, your medical expertise. Thank you for being a pediatrician, not only for our daughters but also for me.
Fondly,
Emily
