17/07/2022
Thank you.
It feels like now is a good time to thank all of you. Its been said for a long time that my patients are a lot like my family. In an office like ours, it’s more than just a doctor/patient relationship. Many of you know me more than just that, and these past four months since my son Dane has passed, have revealed that. For those of you who have been in the office since spring, thank you for bearing with me. As I have written previously, it hasn’t been easy. I have tried to accommodate with my hours even though I haven’t returned to my complete schedule. Thank you for understanding.
You have been so gracious. I’m sure you would agree that it's not as awkward as you thought it would be. I have been granted the ability to manage my emotions in the office setting, and from the beginning, I can have conversations without breaking down. In all honesty, much of that happens private. To the surprise of others, in all settings, I can talk about myself, my family, Dane and emotions without becoming overly, or even slightly emotional.
Time has also helped make that easier.
I realize the gravity of your side as well. I certainly have patients with no knowledge of our situation. For them, it is business as usual. For some of you, you are so good at keeping things simple. Let’s face it, most people don’t know what to say. Most are nervous and struggle with what to say. You wonder about saying nothing, and some are worried about saying too much. Some want to say something and don’t, and others worry about saying something and wondering what and how to say it. For what its worth, things are so much easier for me now than they were months ago. With more time, it will continue to improve. Rest assured, whatever we talk about, whether it’s your health, or Dane or me, I can handle it. I wouldn’t be in the office if I couldn't. God has given me an impeccable ability to manage this and my emotions.
So, if you are wondering what to say and want to say something, simply asking, “How are you?” is a good start. For those of you that don’t shy away from asking, I can tell how you ask that question, and the emphasis you place on ‘you.’ That helps me decipher that you are wanting to know, rather than asking that question just to make conversation. Other, more direct ways, are asking about how my family is getting along, or “are you guys getting along ok?” That’s different than asking, “how’s the family?” Some may ask that to anyone, anytime, and if you happen to be someone who doesn’t know the gravity of our situation, I may not know if you know. At this point, you can tell how I know the delicacy of navigating this.
Communicating when there is a lot of emotion involved becomes tricky. On both sides. Just know, that often I don’t talk about Dane, my family or myself, even with so many who are aware, and that is perfectly fine in my eyes. The two things I want people to know is, don’t ever feel like you have to say something. And secondly, if you want to and do, keep it simple. Less is more. Fortunately and unfortunately, I’m an open book. I’ll direct the conversation, and even though it might be tough for you, it won’t be as bad as you thought.
Chiropractic care is about more than just your body. If your mind is distraught, your body will follow. That’s part of the reason I ask so much about more than just your aches and pains. If I can help with a distressed mind, everything else will follow.
Thank you for reading this. I’m fortunate to have my Chiropractic family. I will always treasure your trust in me, and value that and our relationship.
In health,
Dr. Rob McCoy
