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As most of you probably know, I will be leaving the practice of pediatrics on March 31 of this year. I will be leaving you in the very capable and loving hands of Dr. Anrae Applewhite and our new Physician Assistant, Alexi Snodgrass.

It has been an honor and a privilege to have had interactions with so many wonderful families over the past 32 years. You have all added untold blessings to my life in so many ways. I hope I have been a blessing in your lives too.

Over the years, we have shared many special moments. There has been the almost unimaginable joy as a new baby is welcomed; the excitement of first steps and first words; the expectancy and the anxiety of going off to kindergarten, then middle school and high school and, for many, college. I have been blessed to have shared many of these happy times with you.

There have been some scary times, too, as you have weathered high fevers and all sorts of illnesses and disorders. No matter what life has brought, you have allowed me to help you through those times and to care for the ones you hold most dear. It has been a great honor as well as a bit humbling to experience that kind of trust.

We have laughed together, cried together and often prayed together. Every interaction has left an impression on my heart. I plan to enjoy my retirement, but I will deeply miss all my little “buddies” and “sweetpeas,” as well as the parents that go along with them!

I had hoped to set aside some time for anyone who wished to come by to say our goodbye, or reminisce, or just get a high five or a hug. However, in light of the times, My wonderful daughter has set up a Facebook Group: Retirement for Dr. Michael Cicero. If you search it, you should be able to post comments or memories or pictures, or whatever is on your mind. I hope some of you will take advantage of it. Anything you share will be cherished — unless of course it is a complaint. Those I will throw away!

If you are willing to brave it — and are well! — I welcome you to stop by my office for one last time. I will be there Monday March 30, 2 to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesday, March 31, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., finalizing everything in my office.

I have prayed regularly for all of you as a group and many of you individually. I will continue to do so. My abiding prayer for you is that the Lord will bless you and keep you. That He will turn his face to you and be gracious to you. And that He will lift up his eyes toward you and give you peace.

If we see each other around town, stop and say Hi!

Michael Cicero, M.D.