Writing to Nurse

Some weeks ago, I said that I was going to write to Nurse Janet to thank her for the care, compassion and for the down-to-earth, no-nonsense approach she took during our encounters over the last few years. I'm ashamed to day that it has taken me until today to do so. But at least I have done it now and the card is in the mail.

So, given I was quick enough to complain last year, why has it taken me so long to send something as simple as a 'thank you' note? Perhaps it's because I find it much, much easier to complain than to praise? Maybe we're all better at providing 'constructive' than 'positive' feedback? 

I've been reflecting on this for some time as my feelings of guilt about not conveying my thanks have grown. Having given the matter due consideration, I think part of the reason has been that it's taken quite a long time to accept that a very unpleasant and all-consuming part of my life has ended and that I can now move on to the next stage. That word, 'closure' has been lurking in the ether; sending the thank you note suggests closure - or maybe it's a way of tempting fate...

Whatever the reason, I'm grateful it's ended. At some point, I'll come back to what it was like to undergo diagnosis and treatment. Putting some distance between me and the experience is important now in order to gain some objectivity. And when I have, I'll write about what I've learned from my reflections.