My Physician and Best Friend

This is dedicated to my best friend of many years, Dr. John V. Borders. On the day we met some 40 years ago, he was a medical intern, and I was a new nurse. That brief encounter was the foundation for a special relationship neither of us could have anticipated. An immensely smart, talented, and compassionate physician, John works every day to enrich the lives of others, using innovative approaches to help them attain the highest level of health possible. I know this not only because I have observed it, but also because he is my doctor. During my most difficult days, John was constantly by my side, holding my hand, supporting me, and giving me the courage to move forward. Because of his quiet determination to find the right answers for me, I had a good outcome. I know that he will always be with me, just as he is for all of his patients. John goes above and beyond, often sacrificially, to give all of us what we need. His heart of love for others is manifested in everything he does and inspires me to work to create the same kind of compassion in my nursing students. He blesses everyone he touches, and those numbers are many. John, thank you for blessing me, caring for me, and loving me all these years. Thank you for saving my life, more than once. I will be forever grateful.