In recent weeks, I have received several letters or holiday cards in the mail from former patients from Oregon. There are no words to describe the joy that those letters have brought to me because those words reminded me just how close we had become - more like friends than doctor and patient.
There was the update from one of the few patients with metastatic prostate cancer that I may have cured. He was excited about a new grandchild and a book he was hoping to get published. There was the card from the wife of a dear patient who passed away last summer prior to my departure. She wanted to check in to see how I was doing and to say that she looked forward to supporting our research. Then, there was one of my longtime patients who is the biggest Oregon Ducks fan whom I have ever met. He called into my oncology clinic here in Michigan just to let me know that he missed me and hoped that I was doing well.
Men, women, young, old, all white. However, these are men and women with whom I have a visceral connection. We lived through some of the most intense moments of their lives and shared many memories, smiles, and hugs. I miss them just as I miss my old life.
Before we moved, I ran into a friend at Grant Park. I told him that I was sad to leave my friends in Portland. Without missing a beat, he said, "Don't look at it that way. You will always have us here in Portland. You will just have a chance to make some new friends, too!"
I hope his wish comes true and that I find an equally supportive and caring network of friends in Michigan. It takes time, so I am just taking one day at a time. In the meantime, I will be sure to continue to check in with my old friends "back home," including those families whom I came to love through work.
Monday, February 3, 2020
THE 3 Rs
Frank Bruni from the New York Times had a very nice piece today about Joe Biden. In it, he talks about how Joe Biden may not be electric on the debate stage, but that his simple message in Iowa seems to be resounding with many voters.
Bruni talk about how this election for the Democrats comes down to the three Rs: revolution, rejuvenation, or restoration. The left wing of the party - represented by Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren - represents big structural change, or a revolution. Pete Buttigieg represents rejuvenation and replacing the elderly wing of the party with a younger face. Joe Biden - and to some extent Amy Klobuchar - represent a return to normalcy and decency and moderation in our politics akin to the Obama era.
No one theory of governance is correct. However, I find myself strongly drawn to the theme of restoration. I would trade in a heartbeat to return to Nov 7, 2016, the day before Trump won the White House. Then, American seemed more hopeful, more kind, and more unified, I realize that I clearly misperceived the national mood and that many others did not believe their leaders or their lives were on track. They voted to blow everything up, and that is exactly what has happened to this country.
Do I believe we need a Marshall Plan for the United States? Absolutely. However, in order to revitalize our country, one has to to first win an election, and I believe that means building a coalition - rather than being uncompromising and demanding purity tests.
We will see what the voters decide, but if a candidate cannot inspire me - a lifelong Democrat - how do we expect them to inspire someone who voted for Trump in 2016 or who has never voted at all?
Bruni talk about how this election for the Democrats comes down to the three Rs: revolution, rejuvenation, or restoration. The left wing of the party - represented by Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren - represents big structural change, or a revolution. Pete Buttigieg represents rejuvenation and replacing the elderly wing of the party with a younger face. Joe Biden - and to some extent Amy Klobuchar - represent a return to normalcy and decency and moderation in our politics akin to the Obama era.
No one theory of governance is correct. However, I find myself strongly drawn to the theme of restoration. I would trade in a heartbeat to return to Nov 7, 2016, the day before Trump won the White House. Then, American seemed more hopeful, more kind, and more unified, I realize that I clearly misperceived the national mood and that many others did not believe their leaders or their lives were on track. They voted to blow everything up, and that is exactly what has happened to this country.
Do I believe we need a Marshall Plan for the United States? Absolutely. However, in order to revitalize our country, one has to to first win an election, and I believe that means building a coalition - rather than being uncompromising and demanding purity tests.
We will see what the voters decide, but if a candidate cannot inspire me - a lifelong Democrat - how do we expect them to inspire someone who voted for Trump in 2016 or who has never voted at all?
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