When I got sick, I had two long term families I was very close to. As I got sicker and it looked like I wouldn't be coming back, the social worker on the team notified the families. A work friend told me both patients have died. There children's addresses are in the phone book. Would it be appropriate to send a card? Obits are public so I'm not technically violating HIPAA. But I'm afraid they maybe felt like I abandoned them with no explanation other than "she's on medical leave", kwim? Like we were close enough that I should've contacted them. One of the children was my 5th gr teacher. I feel really guilty with these two families that I did not stay in touch even though I was told not to. I did the right thing for work, but the wrong thing in the families' eyes. Would you send the cards with a brief note?