Saying Goodbye
I’ve written this entry more times than I care to admit to. I’ve been chastised about it not being posted, and I’ve considered hitting the “Publish” button a few times. I couldn’t figure out why I couldn’t finish this post, but I think I’ve finally put my finger on it.
When I finish this entry, it’s real. When I update with this post, it’s out there for the internet world to know, which makes it a lot more tangible, I think.
Drew graduated in mid-May, and this past Wednesday we spent our last shift together as partners. He’s back in his hometown gearing up for a summer internship and grad school, and suddenly he’s not my Drew anymore.
It’s been a really hard semester. I’ve been dealing with some heavy things, and my friends have been there to support me. Drew and Eric have been there for me every step of the way, and I am so thankful to have them in my life.
That’s why it’s so hard for me to know that he’s no longer my partner. Drew is someone I’ve shared many sleepless nights, heartfelt conversations, late-night talks, hysterical moments, and fun weekends with. He is one of the few people who will really stand out in my mind years down the road when I think of my time in college.
No one makes me laugh the way he does. The voices we do, inside jokes we share, and words that he misuses are hysterical to the point of insanity. I’ll never hear the word “ineligible” again without thinking of him, nor will I be able to make it through the song “Nights in White Satin” without laughing.
At the same time, he inspires me like no one else. Professional to a fault, charming and sincere, he pushes me to be a better provider–a better person. I’ll never forget the way he treated the woman who thought she had radioactive urine. He never looked at her strangely, laughed at her, or ignored her complaint. He promised her that he would take good care of her, and that’s exactly what he did. He’s calm under pressure, knowledgeable, and easy to work with.
There will be other partners. There will be other inside jokes, other late-night talks, other traditions. But there will only ever be one Drew.
So to Drew, the partner I never expected but will never forget, thank you. You’ve made my life better by just being in it. Good luck in everything you do; you’ll do great, like always.
And when you’re in charge of some fancy-pants fire department, don’t forget about us little people, okay?
Take care out there,
Sam
June 1, 2009 at 10:41 pm
We should all be so lucky, to have Drew as a partner.
*tight hugs*
Good partners are VERY hard to come by. We’ve both been very fortunate. I’ve had “Drew” as a partner twice (not literally, obviously, but figuratively)… And I’ll never forget him. Them.
Best of luck to him, and you.
Love ya Girly. Hang in there.
June 1, 2009 at 10:52 pm
Wonderful post! I had a friend (a girl) like that in medical college. I still miss her company after 14 years.
June 1, 2009 at 10:58 pm
Glad you were able to write this post Sam. Good to see you posting again.
It sounds like you guys had some great times together.
June 2, 2009 at 6:05 am
Always sucks to lose someone like that. But it does open the way for an equally unique and memorable partner (perhaps?)
June 2, 2009 at 9:26 am
Losing a great partner is tough, but now it’s your turn to shine. Drew made you a better provider and having spent so much time with him, perhaps you’ll be the ‘Drew” to the new, unsure person on your medic unit that needs a friend and has been waiting for an awesome partner like you.
Best of luck to you and thanks for sharing this difficult experience with us.
June 2, 2009 at 2:35 pm
*Read no furthur if you are not prepared for a “Dad” moment*
What the heck is the matter with you! You and Drew are partners for life! Your bond transcends physical seperation. You will always be part of each other’s lives, and if you have half a brain, which I suspect you do you will stay in contact, even if it is only a phone call once a year, or a card or e-mail. Good friends and partners don’t just fall out of the sky. Don’t let it go. Ever.
I’ve got to go, I’ve got a phone call to make, one that is long overdue.
June 2, 2009 at 7:56 pm
Boy, I can sound like a jerk sometimes.
Anyway, great post! Do you mind if I add it to “The Handover?”
June 3, 2009 at 8:17 am
i’m Jealous. I’m sorry. Good luck, kiddo!
June 3, 2009 at 8:43 am
So are you gonna write a post like this for me when I leave in december? Also, I still hate you for the White Satin incident. Is there any way you could be pregnant? “You gotta have sex to be pregnant”. I hate (love) you.
June 4, 2009 at 7:39 am
Welcome back- By writing this you have forced yourself to confront a loss, but at the same time, you will always be linked through the common experiences! Remember the good, and forget the bad! Now it’s YOUR turn to be a leader!
June 7, 2009 at 9:45 am
[...] Sam The EMT says the hardest of all goodbyes in EMS no matter what the circumstances… the goodbye to a good partner [...]
June 7, 2009 at 12:25 pm
Sam, this is a wonderful tribute to your partner and friend. We could all benefit from taking time to remember some of our best partners, what made them terrific, and strive to emulate those same characteristics.
June 14, 2009 at 10:12 pm
I feel ya, Sam.
-MM
June 21, 2009 at 1:36 am
I’m so late!
I’m glad you were able to have a partner who you knew as a friend, mentor, and confidant. I wish him luck, not even having known him other than through this post!
May you find what you are looking for in your next partner, and then some!
Hang in there,
TJ
(@myrtlife on Twitter)
June 22, 2009 at 2:16 am
Your writing really conveys how much you will miss having Drew as a partner. Others should be as lucky as you to have such a partner.
If Drew is headed on for bigger and better things, then so too are you. I am confident that there are exciting and rewarding challenges in the future you have charted for yourself.
I am proud of you. Keep it up.
June 22, 2009 at 9:30 pm
Sam, so glad you’re posting again. Superb writing with eloquent expression and emotion. You’re the best and are incredibly loved.
June 26, 2009 at 9:48 pm
You’ll be fine. Just listen to “nights in white satin a few times
))
June 29, 2009 at 3:32 pm
You have spoken so wonderfully of Drew. So much true emotion…you will miss him, I am sure of that. But you are so happy for him of course…hoping that things go excellent for him. Like many may have said, you will be just fine. Continue to help people, help yourself. Continue to strive, to be, just you. Just you, that is all that you can be.
We both of have had tough years thus far…my health is not very good at all right now, and I am battling through. Whatever circumstances that you are currently facing, I know for a certain that you will rise above it all, and show the world what you are made of. Be yourself…that is all that you can do sometimes.
And yes, I agonized over writing these comments, because I just wanted to support you in any way that I can. We all have our struggles…in some way, we are all in the same boat. Take care.
June 29, 2009 at 3:32 pm
You have spoken so wonderfully of Drew. So much true emotion…you will miss him, I am sure of that. But you are so happy for him of course…hoping that things go excellent for him. Like many may have said, you will be just fine. Continue to help people, help yourself. Continue to strive, to be, just you. Just you, that is all that you can be.
We both of have had tough years thus far…my health is not very good at all right now, and I am battling through. Whatever circumstances that you are currently facing, I know for a certain that you will rise above it all, and show the world what you are made of. Be yourself…that is all that you can do sometimes.
And yes, I agonized over writing these comments, because I just wanted to support you in any way that I can. We all have our struggles…in some way, we are all in the same boat. Take care.
October 18, 2009 at 9:03 am
За статью спасибочки, все по делу, достаточно много кто это уже использует