Goodbyes Stink

I'm in my final few weeks of my job and man, it's awful. I knew it would be difficult saying goodbyes after so many years, but it has literally left me emotionally drained today.

These patients are people that I have rejoiced with (engagements, marriages, pregnancies, adoptions, babies, kids, new pets, and/or new houses) and been sad with (loss of family members, loss of jobs, and/or difficult health concerns). And for some patients, I've had the privilege of knowing them through many of the above happy stages. Many of them have kept up with my family and kids as well.

I choked back the tears today as I assured them that it has been a pleasure serving them and that the other hygienists will do a great job taking care of them. As I prepare to move on and work on developing new relationships at my new practice, I will never forget the patients who have impacted me. I have served them for the past six years - 3/4s of my career have been in that practice.

So, it's sad. And I'm drained - I really don't know how I will make it through the next few weeks. The hugs, the kind words, the well wishes, the teary eyes, and the heartfelt goodbyes are touching and mean more than I can ever express. I will miss everyone - well, almost everyone. :)