I have shared with many how my journey, while my own, was laid upon a path made by others. There were those who guided me toward this hidden path, whether by shining a light before me or giving me a gentle push. And then there were those who actually placed each cobblestone until I learned to place them myself.

Dr. James Rhatigan placed many of my life’s cobblestones. And when he no longer needed to place them, he was always near, his presence like a great tree casting its shade – his energy dappling the path much like the sunlight through the leaves.

I know I would not be who I am today without Dr. Rhatigan. I met him as a patient when I worked for a private dental practice owned by David Knudtson. I shared a story of how Dr. K and his wife Helen were significant in my life – not just placers of stone but first to shine that light and provide that gentle push I needed.

In December of 2020, after an unimaginable year of fear and grief, I decided to send something other than a Christmas card to those who built my path. Dr. Rhatigan was top of this list. I bring this up as I have just learned that Dr. R. has entered Hospice care, and his family is accepting messages to be shared with him. There is so much I could say, so many conversations that come to mind, but I feel that Letter of Gratitude speaks to everything he is to me and everything he has done for me. I send him prayers of peace and comfort, knowing that whenever he decides to take his leave, his light will shine on in me and so many others too numerous to count.

Below is the letter I mailed to him. Funny, even now he pushes me to once again write, something I’ve not done in many years. Writing was what truly brought us together as he shared one of his written pieces and I shared with him a short story I had written. I see you, Dr. R, placing one more stone. You once told me you hoped to read my book one day and I’m sure you know should I ever get it published, you’ll be in the dedication.

Thank you, Dr. R. From my whole heart – Natalie

December 2020

Dearest Dr. Rhatigan,

I hope this letter finds you and Beverly safe and in great health. Who would have ever imagined such a year as 2020? Truly a year filled with grief and grace. But this letter is not the usual yearend letter. This is my letter of gratitude to you.

If this year has taught me anything, it is to make sure you tell those whom you love and appreciate just how grateful you are for having them in your life. I don’t know where I would be today without your belief in me. While Dave & Helen Knudtson stepped into my life and believed in me at a time I didn’t believe in myself, my journey only continued when you walked into that dental office.

I was content working for Dave, but you saw something more and encouraged me to go to WSU and earn my degree. Without your guidance (and persistence!), I might still be working in a private dental practice – happy, but completely unaware of my full potential. Potential I never saw until you did. You opened doors for me that I would have never dreamed of walking through – right onto the campus of Wichita State University and the WSU Foundation. And even today, the doors of the Kansas Health Foundation.

Throughout my journey, you continue to provide advice and unconditional support. I even share a bit of your nuggets of wisdom with others, such as small wins, handwritten notes, and what it means to grieve. Not sure if you recall, but after I lost my niece in 2007, you told me that it was okay for me to deeply grieve, because to grieve fully and deeply means you have greatly and deeply loved. I’ve never forgotten those words.

Thank you for seeing in me a future I could not have imagined for myself and for ensuring I became a true Shocker. I will forever bleed black and gold, no matter where I am*(I smiled as I reread this since I am with the KU School of Medicine – Wichita and my office boasts lots of Shocker stuff!). And I will always remember how you changed my life. I genuinely appreciate you and love you, Dr. R. I know I am but one of many you have lifted up along your own journey and I am proud to be part of this esteemed group.

Much love,

Natalie