I promise

Dear Beth,

I promise to go back to the gym. I really do enjoy it, but life has been busy lately. I promise to try to eat better, and to do whatever I can to be around for you.

I want to be there for your high school graduation and your college commencement. I plan to walk you down the aisle someday and to be there for the birth of your children, assuming that’s the path you choose.

I promise.

Love,
Dad
—————-

I had the distinct displeasure today of coding a patient in front of his young daughter. He was my age. She, while younger than Beth, was old enough to remember every detail. A cardiac arrest is messy, barbaric, loud and confusing. We all know what we have to do and why, but to a layperson it’s a horrific experience.

Today was the worst day of a young girl’s life, the day she lost her Daddy; and she had to witness it all. I’m sorry. We did all we could.