To our pediatrician: We couldn’t do this without you

Thank you for being as good with kids are you are with the parents.

Upon walking in the room, whether for a well or sick visit, you immediately make all of us feel calm. You engage my boys first, to make them feel comfortable and they always light up. I think it is a rarity that kids are not afraid of their doctor. That is a testament to you. You are kind and gentle with them. Somehow—quite effortlessly—you also ensure I’m aware of what is going on, how we treat what’s going on, and any follow-ups. You make sure we are aware of milestones we should be hitting and how we can help get there.

Thank you for giving me your personal cell phone number.

Even though I know you may regret that now, there was a time (not too long ago) where we were going through a lot with the health of our second son. You didn’t want us to “be in it alone,” as you said, and you wanted us to know that we had a resource to check in with—any time, day or night. And, thank you, for picking up so graciously when we called you at 9 pm on a Saturday night or on a holiday. And also when our older son came down with croup on our most recent trip. Knowing we had access to you, when we really needed it, truly meant the world to us. And I promise to delete your number now. Maybe .

Thank you for never, ever making me feel rushed.

I don’t know how you do it. The office is always busy but you still manage to always answer every. single. one. of my questions. No matter how silly they sound as I recite them off of my month-long curated list. You respond to each thoughtfully. And sometimes you throw in a witty joke when my list gets too long. You hang in there with me while I check off each and every question. And by the time I leave, my list can easily be deleted. I never leave wondering, or thinking “I should have asked that.” That is invaluable for a parent.

Thank you for being with us through the highs and lows.

For taking extra time to do research and talk to other doctors when we were dealing with a unique situation. Thank you for calling in favors when we needed it most. You did not let us down—not that I ever thought you would. Having you in our corner always makes us feel like we are in the right place, always, and are all being taken care of. I am so grateful we found you. And we’re so thankful you’re part of our village . Thank you for being in it with us. Really, in it. The growth spurts and milestones. The walking and talking. The NICU and scary test results. The diaper rash and eczema. The croup and coxsackie. The potty training and thumb sucking. Thank you for continuing to be a rock for our family when we need it most. Sincerely, A very grateful mama