Saying Good-Bye

Some of the good-byes we have to say are very final, as they are to people whom we may never see again.

One such person is our physician, Dr. Barton.

Our good-bye was unexpected and spur of the moment, as Max has a cough and needed to be treated. Dr. Barton seemed to be expecting us. He had a lot to say. He brought tears to my eyes, promising to support us after our move with anything we needed. He said not to hurry to settle on one physician, take our time, interview people, and know he is still our doctor until we find someone.

Due to our professional relationship, I can't hug him, but that is what I wanted to do. You see, Dr. Barton has been with us through some really rough moments. He has ordered CT scans and MRIs, he has been concerned with us, he has referred us to specialists, he has comforted me when I was very afraid. He has explained in length to Clay that mothers need certain things that fathers don't. He pointed out than when my feathers are ruffled, I will protect my child to my dying breath, and Daddy, you better back off and support Mama. In this football-oriented town, he puts the safety of children first.

I love Dr. Barton. I will miss his support terribly. Just knowing that he and his nurse Angie are there has made my journey through Arkansas much easier.

Thank you Doctor, for being a Godsend during my darkest moments of parenting. I will never forget you, and will be looking for that giant buck so you can come hunt him in Indiana!!