End of an Era

As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. And so my 18 months at Ruanui Health Centre came to an end last Friday, the 13th. While traditionally a superstitiously ominous day in the states, my New Zealand constituent proved this theory incorrect. I will admit that for many weeks I was convinced my goodbye would consist of a large boot out the door. A gumboot, no doubt, but a boot nonetheless. Boy was I wrong. Very unbeknownst to me, a celebration was in the works for weeks. After confidentially admitted my angst with not getting a send-off to my favored nurse, Ann, on the Thursday a week prior, she kindly reassured me that things were happening and I should hear something soon. The next day she walked into my office at lunchtime for our traditional midday catch-up with a menu in hand and asked me to pick a dinner meal. I was to ask no further questions. As my final week dragged on, I was greeted by many social visits from patients wishing me well in my journey and displaying their gratitude. Gratitude often came in the form of food, which relieved me of any cooking duties for the week. Thus came Thursday, a rather busy day in the clinic as an announcement was placed in the local rag, Hawera Star, confirming my departure from the clinic, and many patients clamored to make final appointments and call to resolve outstanding issues that had been lingering for the past 18 months. A dinner date of 6:30 had been set by the clinic for my farewell feast. So, after rushing to the gym for my 10K training run, I arrived outside Old Mac’s restaurant and was greeted by Dale, one of the receptionists, and a blindfold. After a look of horror came across my face, Dale agreed to guide me into the establishment without said blindfold in place if I promised to close my eyes. Agreeing to the same, I was lead cautiously to what I presumed was the head of the table and my right hand placed into another’s that felt oddly familiar. At once I opened my eyes to a restaurant full of colleagues and the familiar face of my boyfriend, Jason. With squeals of laughter, the clinic delighted in my expression of absolute shock at seeing Jason sitting at my side, having driven four hours down from Hamilton for the event. The evening was full of fellowship with colleagues and friends, many departing gifts, and accolades from staff towards me, and me towards staff. There were also a few threats towards Jason to take good care of me or else! (Believe me; you don’t want to mess with Maori women.) If my departure had been marked by this surprise event, I would have been very satisfied, but more was in store…

If you remember afore mentioned announcement in the Hawera Star, it was actually an invitation for patients to come and join in a final joint farewell. I knew there would be food, as all New Zealand functions, and especially those sponsored by Maori organizations, involve sustenance of some sort. What I didn’t know was the extent to which the clinic staff and the community would go to support such an event. Busily working away in clinic, I began to hear the faint chant of people singing around 12:30. I walked out of my office to nearly 30 patients sitting happily in the waiting room, collectively singing traditional waiata, or Maori hymns. You can imagine my surprise that this many people would turn up to wish me well. Most were kaumatua, or elders, all were over 60 years old, and every single one of my elder boyfriends was amongst the crowd. There were many speeches by clients and more gifts to be had, several hand crafted. I was made an honorary Maori princess, and a collective decision was made that a picture of me was to be placed on the wall (a tradition that is usually not undertaken until someone has passed away). Again, Dale was in rare form, compiling a slide show of my journey from the states to the little town of Hawera, the celebrations had during my time, and my found farewell to Hamilton. There were many tears shed by both patients and myself alike. After all, these people sought me out as patients, but gradually became my friends. So, as all good friends do, we said not goodbye, but see you next time, and hugged in acceptance that while we must separate now, hopefully our paths will cross again in the future.