One of the blessings (or curses) of retirement from general practice is running into previous patients.

Mostly, I enjoy these encounters.

For some former patients, our professional relationship has lasted decades — longer than many of my personal friendships. We have traversed a few rocky seas together.

Most, though not all, seem reasonably pleased to see me. A few glare and frown and shuffle away, whispering to their partner, perhaps recalling a less than triumphant diagnostic moment on my part.