[theave]

I am finally finishing writing Christmas cards, and I have written one for the psychiatric nurse who co-ordinated my care in the UK - I saw her most weeks for well over a year and she was a great support. I know it's ok to send her a card - I've done ones for a couple of doctors too and the ward I spent time on. But just not sure what else to write - do I tell her all that has been going on since I got here, or just a couple of lines saying I'm ok and hope she is too. Do I tell her I miss her? (I do, very much) Just really unsure.

[deliquesce]

i think whatever you write will be ok. i'm sure she'd like to know how you've been faring, also.

if you think saying "i miss you" is too much (depends on your level of comfort - i don't think there's anything "wrong" with saying it, but there are some ppl i would feel more comfortable saying it to than others) then maybe you could write instead that you think of her often & remember her fondly? just an idea.

[theave]

Thank you, Deliquesce - I don't know why I find it so hard to think about writing to her - probably because I do miss her. I have found the whole process of writing cards to people far away pretty challenging, I didn't think it would affect me so much.

Your suggestion is good - I think I do feel uncomfortable telling her I miss her, because I don't want her to think she is still responsible for me, but I think it's ok to say how much I appreciate what she did. I know it's not a friendship and so she shouldn't necessarily think of me at all now that I've moved. I suppose for me, though, things felt unfinished when I left, it wasn't because everything had got better, just that I had moved. I did call her once after we'd been here about 6 weeks but it was really upsetting to hear her voice so I haven't done that again, however much I want to at times.

Thanks, you have given me a clue about what to write. Then I can seal the envelope and forget about it.

[Hearty]

You should say whatever you feel in your heart. I bet she will be moved by your words.
I've known quite a few people in the medical field, and they loved hearing from people
they've helped. I once had a boyfriend who treasured and saved all the heartfelt cards
and notes from his patients.

It's a gift to be told you're missed by anyone - especially someone who's life you've touched.
I bet it'll make her week!

Take care.

[opheliasorrow]

I think it is a wonderful idea to write to her. Sometimes people feel a little undervalued in their work and I think this would make her day and she'd be very touched. You have a very caring and giving soul. Ophelia xxx

[chaotic13]

Theaves,

Personally, I wouldn't spend a lot of effort filling her in on all the happenings since you've left her direct care. I would focus on telling her how much she affected you and how gratiful you are for the care she provided you. IDK, make the card's message be about the untangibles she provided you in your time of need and maybe less about events or specific on your current mental state or current level of care. If you do miss her...then I would definitely convey that message. Everyone likes to hear that they made an impact on someone and that their missed.

This is just my opinion of course.

[theave]

Thanks - I have written the card and hopefully I haven't written too much or too little - thank you all for helping me with this.