A Tribute to Tricia Seidler From Her Patients

“I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge - myth is more potent than history - dreams are more powerful than facts - hope always triumphs over experience - laughter is the cure for grief - love is stronger than death”

I read this Robert Fulghum passage during Grandma Rose's funeral service over 16 years ago. We search for words such as these to comfort us when we are lost in grief. We need to know our pain is understood. I think of this aphorism now as I am saddened by the death of Tricia Seidler, who was my Nurse Practitioner at All Saints Northside Clinic in Caledonia. 

I didn't know Tricia well, not on a personal level. She knew much more about me than I did her. But one thing I know for certain is how much I admired and felt fondly of her. I have visited her many times over the years for myself, my husband and my children. And each time I walked away better than when I walked in. I may still have been sick, my daughter may still have had a temperature and medications may have not yet been received, but she had a way of making you Just. Feel. Better.  

She would make that, “Hey, I'm comin' in" rap on the door. Tricia had bouncy blonde hair and room brightening smile with a laid back demeanor and a real sense of authenticity. With her, I felt free to be myself, be completely honest and be okay with asking for help. 

In the doctor's office, you so often feel rushed or inferior or not taken seriously. None of this occurred with Tricia, ever. She showed her patients nothing but respect, compassion and validation. She would often even call the next day to follow up and see how you were doing. Tricia was a rare find indeed.

“She was always willing to spend time with her patients and never rush them out of the office,” recalls Amanda, one of Tricia's patients. “I was going through a terrible time with an anxiety disorder and she was always there to reassure me that I would be okay. She gave me a shoulder to cry on.”

Gina, another patient, remembers her visits with Tricia as nothing but positive as well.

“She helped me quit smoking. I was really excited to tell her I quit and thank her! She was pretty confident that I would and could do it and it made me feel good. I have been smoke free for 3 years!” she said. “I was always comfortable talking to her and I could tell she really cared about her patients.”

In Tricia's online obituary, Rachel states, “She was an amazing woman and a great care provider. Her enthusiasm and willingness to help in any way she could, is admirable.” 

Aside from the typical appointments concerning illnesses and routine physicals, she was also helpful with problems that many would pass on to another professional. This was the case when I was incredibly challenged in my effort to lose weight. It was during this time she was very present in my life. From diet plans to exercise to endless encouragement, she played a big role in my losing 30 pounds a little over one year ago. My appreciation has no bounds.

As I read through her online obituary guestbook, there are many others who feel the same way about Tricia and the care she gave. She clearly touched many hearts and improved countless lives. From helping those with anxiety to getting patients to quit smoking to assisting patients in losing weight, Tricia went the extra mile and I have no doubts that she has likely saved many individuals.

Tricia has two young boys, Zachary and Noah, and a husband, Andrew. My heart has been aching for them and all of her loved ones since hearing the tragic news of her passing. And though my belief is that she is still with them, watching over them, guiding them, I still cannot help but imagine the sorrow her beloved must be enduring. She meant so much to those who barely knew her.

A mother, a daughter, a wife, a friend, and a healer, Tricia made an imprint in the lives of so many. I will not pretend to be satisfied with the contention that everything happens for a reason. Or that this was her life plan. That may very well be true – and I do hope it is. But I cannot help asking "why." I cannot help shedding tears for the loss of a woman who truly made a difference.  

When I think of Tricia, I have an automatic visual in my mind of her laughing. We should all be so lucky to leave an imprint as beautiful. And as tragic as it is that she left far too soon, Tricia impacted the world more in 37 years than most of us could in 100.

Download the movie