I will miss “Smart Water” - to my mentor

琳达

我的恩师昨天正式宣布下月要退休了。她已经在这个医院辛勤工作了35年，培养了一代又一代儿科专科医生，遍布世界各地的每个角落。读完她的email, 百感交集。她的临床经验极其丰富，我常常向新人介绍她时这样说”Dr K的手指一摸你额头就知道你的血钠是多少”， 和她一起工作才知道什么是“eye opening experience”的真正含义。她极度真诚慷慨，对下一代鼓励有加。70+岁了，每日还和我们一样全职看病人及教学。勤勤恳恳，兢兢业业，并且同样值夜班，毫无怨言。我曾经为此向科领导呼求免除她参与值夜班的轮转。听到她决定退休，既喜又舍不得。当日清晨禁不住冒雨出去疯跑/走了14迈（花了近4小时）来理清我复杂的心情，分不清是雨水还是高兴又舍不得的泪水…並且边跑边走边写，在手机上码下我对她的email的回复。

It’s quite emotional for me to finish reading your email today as I reflect how someone like you has shaped not only my career but my life in the most profound way.

I reflected that seventeen years ago, I began my training here at TCH. From day one, you offered me patience and wisdom that anchored me then—and continues to guide me now.

You became my mentor, my role model, and—perhaps most remarkably—my steadfast advisor and life consultant in every corner of my life and my family.

You taught me what it means to be thorough, thoughtful, and compassionate. You modeled how to deliver not just excellent clinical care, but human connection—how to speak to patients and families with both clarity and kindness.

But what has meant the most to me is that your mentorship extended far beyond the walls of the hospital.

You have been my life consultant in every sense of the word. When my late father faced health issues back in China, you were right there—helping me navigate from a distance, offering support without hesitation. When my children faced major career decisions, you were a thoughtful sounding board and wise guide. Even when my fur baby Mickey was ill, you offered care and attention, helping me make executive decision to stop steroids after he had a spinal surgery…he is wiggling his tail now😂

And every January, when I run the Chevron Marathon, the race route passes right by your house. Year after year, you would stand outside—prepared with drinks and snacks—not just for me, but for all the runners passing by. You cheered us on with warmth and joy. That kind of spirit, that quiet generosity, is just who you are.

There are also the little moments I’ll always remember—like when we worked together in the clinic. You would often skip lunch unless someone made sure you ate, so I got into the habit of grabbing you Teddy Bear snacks, the only snack you enjoy. It became a ritual of sorts—and my way of looking out for the one who always looked out for me.

And if we were lucky enough to have lunch break together, you would always buy me a bottle of “Smart Water.” I’d joke that it raised my IQ by five points every time. It made us both laugh, and on some days, that was the smartest part of lunch.

These moments may seem small, but they are the memories that stay with me —the acts of care that add up to something extraordinary.

Your impact has been immeasurable. You’ve shaped how I practice medicine and how I show up for others. Your voice and example will continue to guide me for years to come.

Thank you—for your teaching, your compassion, your wisdom, and your unwavering presence in my life. As you begin this next chapter, I hope it brings you rest, fulfillment, and all the joy you have so generously given to others.

With deepest gratitude and admiration—congratulations on your retirement. And thank you, from the bottom of my heart.