In Memory of Dr. McCabe

In memory of Dr. Henry J. McCabe Jr.
Image credit: colourbox.com

WHAT HE LEAVES BEHIND

In Memory of Dr. Henry J. McCabe

My doctor retired in June—

but when I entered his office

just a few days ago

there was a framed photograph

of him, relaxed and smiling

beneath the words:

In Memory of

Dr. Henry J. McCabe

He died two weeks ago

on October 16, 2018, at the age of 69

Those words and that photograph

immediately caused me to tear-up and gasp

He’d been my doctor for 27 years—

a kind man, bordering on holy

with a calm manner and gentle spirit

He was refreshingly unhurried

never kept his hand on the doorknob

always would ask at the end of each visit

if my entire list of questions were answered

Actually, he was like Mister Rodgers

with a stethoscope

with a cardigan sweater

and easy manner of speech

He’d inquire about my poetry

and appreciated when I’d bring him new poems

When my husband, Leo, was dying

from the ravages of lung cancer

Dr. McCabe helped us make decisions

just as if he were treating

his own father

I’ll never forget that

I Googled his obituary

and read a stream of remembrances

similar to my own, and thought

how beautiful it is

to leave behind such a fragrance

how in a world like ours has become

full of so much hate, terror and violence

there are human beings like Dr. McCabe

who leave only goodness behind

peace and gentleness

I will miss you, good doctor

and the sweet aroma

of your presence here will linger

for a long, long time

and when it is my turn

to depart this earthly life

I hope, like you

to leave something beautiful behind

Maude Carolan Pych