This time of year I find myself thinking of people and times gone by. Memories come in a warm flood when I hear the tune Auld Lang Syne. I prefer James Taylor’s rendition.

This ancient tune has been sung at the first breath of the New Year for more than 2 centuries. We sing a translated version. The original words came in a Scottish poem written by Robert Burns. The poem was then set to a well-known folk tune of that day. His words are clearly of an unfamiliar time and place, yet the meaning lives. Our human connections are as important today as they were in the late 18th century.

Burns asks if old friends and times gone by should be forgotten. He recalls younger days he spent with an old friend and laments that they have wandered many a weary foot since that time. Broad seas have roared between them, but in the end they shake hands and raise a cup for auld lang syne (times gone by).

I’ve lived in four very different places and worked in twice that many EDs. I treasure the experiences had and the friendships made. I carry these people and places everywhere I go. They are part of me.

So, here’s a modern version for times, friends, and colleagues gone by. Apologies to Mr. Burns.

Should old physicians be forgot,

And never brought to mind?

Should all good nurses be forgot,

And times gone by?

CHORUS: For times gone by, my dear,

For times gone by,

We’ll raise a glass and lift our hearts,

For times gone by.

In younger times we fought the fight,

And the fight it brought us nigh,

But tie many a stitch, we have,

Since times gone by.

We’ve parted ways for pastures green,

And many a tear we’d cry,

But fresh adventures filled our cup,

Since times gone by. (CHORUS)

One thousand nights we healed the sick,

Yet some did surely die,

The lives we’ve touched – like stars above,

Since times gone by. (CHORUS)

So give your hand my trusty friend,

And take this hand of mine,

We’ll quaff a stein and sing a tune,

For auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my dear,

For auld lang syne,

We’ll raise a glass and lift our hearts,

For auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne and the times ahead. Happy New Year.

Dr. Baehren lives in Ottawa Hills, Ohio. He practices emergency medicine and is an assistant professor at the University of Toledo (Ohio) Medical Center. Your feedback is welcome at David.Baehren@utoledo.edu.