When A Community Loses An Important Member | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

When A Community Loses An Important Member

In honor of an amazing man who dedicated his life to helping others.

6
When A Community Loses An Important Member
CDA Inc.

I have had the same pediatrician from the day I was born. Both of my younger siblings also saw him for primary care. In fact, most of my friends went to see him, as well. He served as a pediatrician for 46 years in my town and nearly everyone knew who he was. Last week, this beloved member of our community passed away and now the community is grieving.

It honestly just doesn't seem real. And it's harder to grasp because he isn't a person everyone sees everyday, but he was always there when we needed him. As I scroll through my Facebook newsfeed, I see friends sharing stories with other friends about the things he did to go above and beyond his job description. He would ensure that every patient felt comfortable and received the care they required. I can’t imagine there being a single soul in the entire town that had even the smallest amount of dislike toward this man. He always had a positive attitude, a smile, and the friendliest personality.

People like him seem immortal in many people’s eyes. They become such a familiar and integral part of our lives that it just doesn’t seem to be possible that there would come a time when they no longer are with us. Many knew that he had fallen ill, however, his passing still came as a shock to most. I myself was certainly not expecting to see his obituary when I scrolled through my social media platforms. I had known this man for literally my entire life. He may as well have been a close family friend. I recall sitting in his office for a physical as a young girl and having him tell me “Now don’t kiss too many boys,” or asking me how much of a pain in my butt my siblings were being lately.

In an interview with ECHN a few years ago, he emphasized how much he cared about all of his patients and that his ultimate goal was to “bring a child from infancy to adulthood and let them go out on their own.” He also said that he had no intentions of retiring because he claimed not to be working at a job, but rather enjoying his life. Pediatrics was really a passion of his and he continued doing it for as long as he could.

For those who knew this doctor, they know our town will not be the same without him. However, his great spirit will live on forever in the hearts of those he helped throughout his career. He made our town a better place. I never truly got to thank him for everything he has done for my family and me. He was such a kind, gentle man who made our town a better place and we all appreciate him greatly.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

15087
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3057
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 14 Stages Of The Last Week Of Class

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

1845
black marker on notebook

December... it's full of finals, due dates, Mariah Carey, and the holidays. It's the worst time of the year, but the best because after finals, you get to not think about classes for a month and catch up on all the sleep you lost throughout the semester. But what's worse than finals week is the last week of classes, when all the due dates you've put off can no longer be put off anymore.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments