I wish to thank you for always being there for me. We have known each other for a few years, and I have come to rely on you as this once-young body deteriorates into a slow, grinding halt. I would never have imagined, while flying jet fighters in the South Pacific, that a day or time would come when I would depend on and need someone like you, who is there, who is close, who is listening, and who makes things happen for my benefit.

Your compassion for nursing has become clear to me in our telephone conference calls, during our face-to-face meetings in the hospital, and even during those times when you call me to ask if I am feeling any better. Only recently did you call me to ask about my condition during the horrific chest cold where it felt that I was breathing underwater for two consecutive weeks. The call was focused on the medicine which you ordered, and your concern was my well-being. Thank you. You are compassionate about your service in other ways, as well. You listen to my needs, consider my requests, and respond either by phone or email in a most timely manner. You listen.

You are empathetic. You are compassionate. I am so appreciative of that quality in you. Vladimir, there are times when I feel so overwhelmed with your empathetic attitude, which beams out in neon lights. I recall asking for a creme that I could apply to my right shoulder after a strenuous session on the driving range. Within one day, following your consideration, I was notified that the creme would be in the mail.

Empathy is a big part of life. I know empathy and frequently find myself on the side of the desk where my client is sitting. I can identify empathy in you because I constantly strive to remain empathetic to people that have trust in me. I have trust in you, Vladimir, and you have empathy towards me. You possess a great quality.

I have come to trust your decisions. I trust you because I know that everything you do for me is the best for me. You make decisions for me with scrutiny. You care enough to think through the action and assess whether the outcome will have the intended results. Can any patient in the Hospital ask for anything more than that? I never feel that I am a 'number'...I never feel that the decision was made with a 'rubber stamp'... no, it is the opposite... I know that whatever the decision, a careful mental review was made of the pros and cons... I do know this because we talk together about your decisions. Again, I say, there is no professional in the hospital who could outpace you with trust. You are the best.

Any student nurse would be well-served to learn from your soft, caring approach to patient care. Your quiet demeanor speaks volumes to any student who is in nursing school... walk easy, analyze, act, and communicate. All with a focus on patient care. Students are involved with books, but you could teach them how to get into the sick person's spirit... how to create trust and understanding. You have much to teach in the real world of nursing care. I'm sure doctors could learn from you, as well. There is no rush-rush when caring for human beings... because in the end, no one wants to leave the body they live in, and everyone wants to infinitely depend on the professional caring for them. These are traits which you excel in, and which students could and should learn.

I admire you in ways that have been noted above, and I would assume there are many patients like me, who admire you for the care they receive, for the listening heart that they sense in you, and for the intelligent analysis and course of action which is recommended in a timely, professional manner. All admirable qualities which you possess, and which instill confidence and peace with older patients and younger patients, alike. You are direct, but you are soft. You are straight-line logic but with gray zones for easing the pain and anxiety of your patients. Atta-boy!

This atmosphere creates comfort. Your patients know you love your profession. In knowing this, your patients come to rest comfortably with the care you provide. Human beings sense contentment, ease, peace, and fulfillment... your patients sense these things from their perception of working with a nurse practitioner, who they perceptually know loves what he does... this inspires comfort and trust. You love what you do. I know that by who you are. Thank you.

The Healthcare Profession demands selflessness. It is only in giving up what you are that you can share and thereby give to another. This is you, Vladimir. You are a dedicated professional who places himself behind his patients. Caring, understanding, recommending, reacting, and analyzing... all for the patient's well-being. Again, I say thank you for what you have done for me in all these ways.
 
There was a time when this body would pass a class A flight physical without giving notice. Now, times are different. Now, I am glad I have you.