To: Dr. Craig Meredith, M.D.
Dear Dr. Craig,
Other doctors merely
processed the stupified steer my father had become,
turned him into lithium-laced hamburger in the slaughterhouse of
the psych ward, drying out from years of ups and downs prescribed.
You saved his life, and not
incidentally, gave it a measure of grace
that he would never have attained otherwise
in the days of alcohol and pills, of indiscriminate abuse.
Your kind ways, stern warnings
and most especially your carefully crafted placebos
were instrumental: a plan of changes, enacted by you
inspired a shambling wreck to renew his dignity and self-worth.
And not incidentally,
your calm and competent
attendance at the births of my children
gave them gentle passage into our world.
As they grew and evidenced needs
you passed them along to helpers of high quality:
a podiatrist with the unlikely name of Dr. Treadwell;
a renowned pediatric cardiologist repaired my baby's plum-sized heart.
And not incidentally,
you introduced this newly
middle-aged man to the proctological examination
so subtly and swiftly our conversation was never interrupted.
You are a truly
fine General Practitioner Dr. Craig,
and not incidentally, one of the finest Men I have ever known.
Blessed Be all of your Days, and Long.
Robert Douglas Hickey |
