Dear Pdoc,

Have I told you how blessed I am to have fallen into your skilled and caring hands? A few weeks ago you told me to never hesitate to call you, to always tell those gate-keepers at the answering service that my call is an emergency because you consider every call from me an emergency. You said I have never abused the privilege of calling, and I always know when I truly need help. You told me that even if you aren't the doctor on call, you have me on a short list with your associates that they should call you if I call regardless of when I have called in. That told me you respect me as an individual and a patient, and it really helps my confidence. Thank you for that.

This week I had to chuckle when you told me you were about to make a desperate move on your part. You are such a conservative physician. But you told me you knew I am desperate for relief from this depression, and you are desperate to find relief for me. You have gone out on a limb (in your mind) treatment-wise to help me, and that risk (in your professional mindset anyway) gives me just an inkling of hope in my very hopeless world.

Your brilliance and skill as a psychiatrist always impresses me and always gets me beyond the rough spots. Thank you for your caring hands.