Dear Bubbe,
I still cannot
believe it has been four years since you passed away. It’s still an odd feeling
thinking I can’t pick up the phone and call you. I still have your number in my
cell phone—I just cannot delete it. You know, it’s funny. I almost called you
on accident a few months ago! Yeah, I was dialing a friend who I guess had a
similar number, and my phone offered your number as a suggestion. It took me by
surprise.
You’d be so
proud!! Bubbe, I graduated from college (with honors), and I got into medical
school…my top choice one too! I always wanted to tell you that in person. You were
my “number one” cheerleader in my pursuits, and it pains me to not have you by
my side in my successes. I knew you were adamant I stay in school, keep my nose
clean, and find success in my studies…and I did! I always dreamed you’d be
there with me and would squeeze my hand so tight like you used to do. Always two squeezes...the second one a tad longer than the first. It was
like our secret code…I miss that.
Med school is
tough. Lots of hard work, long hours, and little patient interactions so far make the
days seem boring. But, I’ve met so many amazing friends here…I wish I could fly
you down to meet them. You’d think they were very special and one-of-a-kind.
I reconnected
with Dr. Faraday, your physician…she’s quite an amazing doctor. (She remembers
you fondly). She has given me such words of wisdom in terms of how to become an
excellent healthcare provider and a servant to my patients. I wish more
physicians were like her…why am I not surprised how well you chose your
physician? I hope I can have an ounce of her passion for medicine and her ability to connect so well with her patients.
I’ve been
thinking more and more about entering geriatrics...actually it started around the time you passed away. I think the cases are
interesting, the patients are even MORE fascinating, and I get to treat a
population which whom few physicians really want to work. I think it’d be such a
rewarding field. I know you’d be proud of me, and I hope you are looking down
upon me in good graces. I always want to make you proud. Even now.
Family’s doing
well...especially George! He’s doing some research with a laboratory at his
university, and he is truly becoming immersed in his field. It’s nice to see
him open up and finally branch out. Bubbe, your “buttons would pop right off”
with such naches for your grandchildren. I miss hearing you say that. You know,
when I was little, I thought you were literal, and I feared that one day, I’d
make your buttons pop and ruin your shirt?? I never got a chance to tell you
that.
Say hi to Zayde and Aunt Es for me.
May you continue to enjoy the graces of G-D’s warm embrace.
I pray I will be so blessed to join you one day once again.
Miss you and love you, always and forever.
Love,
Herbert
