Farewell, Dr. B

Tomorrow is TP's final appointment with her nephrologist at Children's Hospital. He will be switching jobs and going to a different state to work at the Children's Hospital there. It is with much sadness that we bid him a fond farewell.

He is a gentle soul who genuinely cares about his patients and their families. He took a special liking to Sara, who came under his care at the tender age of 16 with severe lupus nephritis symptoms. Through his medical expertise, and the help of his colleagues, he was able to viciously fight off this disease which was attacking TP's kidneys so agressively. It took him two full years, many hospitalizations, chemotherapy, months of solu-medrol treatments both in the hospital and at home, constant monitoring of bloodwork and blood pressure readings to finally get TP into remission. Through a series of miracles and Dr. B's brilliant expertise, TP is alive and well today. More than likely, she will have another flare. I dread that day because Dr. B will not be there to provide her care, and I don't know if I will be there to help her get through it all.

So, Dr. B, we wish you success and happiness in your new endeavor. We feel very fortunate and blessed to have known you, not only as a doctor, but as a person. You are gifted with a skill for taking care of not only the body, but the patient as a whole person, and the family as well. We appreciate your help in getting TP a scholarship. We are grateful that you encouraged her to pursue a nursing career. We are touched by the kind words and support you have given to us as her parents. You shall be greatly missed, kind sir.

Tomorrow will be a day full of a mixture of emotions, and I am certain I will be crying for most of the day. Saying goodbye to a trusted doctor, and saying goodbye to a beloved daughter are very painful things to face. But I still have my faith in God and my loving husband and other daughter to get me through. Thank you, dear Lord, for the miracle of Dr. B. May you bless him with prosperity, health, and happiness for the rest of his life.