From the day we are born until the day we pass away, doctors play an important role in our lives.   Even if you don’t go for regular check-ups, need to have a limb turning purple and falling off first, or have 911 on speed dial,  you should agree it is important to have a GOOD doctor available when you need one.

Now, before we get too deep into today’s holiday, I’d like to address the pink elephant in the room.

I know you’re proud of the 45 letters behind your name, but today is strictly referring to doctors in the medical profession, that can cut you open, sew you back up AND write a prescription.  The person you’d call right now if blood started dripping uncontrollably from your cheek or a huge orange blister started growing, right now, on your left thumb for no reason at all. National Doctor’s Day is not referring to physical scientists, biological scientists, psychologists, linguists, engineers, programmers, ecologists, pharmacists (especially the illegal kind), historians, or librarians.  If you are still confused see Dictionary.com’s first definition.  Also, if your license has been revoked, you used to count, but you don’t anymore.

Now! HAPPY NATIONAL DOCTOR’S DAY!!

Thank you for smacking my butt to get me breathing that winter day in December.  And, for that time you gave me those nasty shots so I wouldn’t die overseas.  I appreciate you not rebreaking my arm after I broke it and didn’t go to the doctors right away, so it had already started growing back slightly crooked.  It’s doing well. Thank you for that time you saved my life with that emergency surgery in New York that I don’t remember, but have a scar as proof that it happened.  That was a scary night.  Thank you for prescribing all the meds and for taking good care of my family and friends.  You’re greatly appreciated.

Since this is a day of appreciation, I’ll leave out all the times you got it wrong and ignored what I said was wrong and treated something I didn’t have before agreeing with my diagnosis and solving the actual problem.  You’re human (and stubborn and arrogant sometimes) too.  I’m grateful that you get it right more times than you get it wrong.

Today, my friends, take a moment to call your doctor and thank them or send a special thank you note using snail mail.  Like many professionals, who could kill something when they make a mistake, I’m sure they don’t feel the love as often as they should.  So, thank a doctor today and HOLIDAY ON MY FRIENDS!!!

Yes, Veterinarians count.