Just Because… July 2, 2009

Several times a week, my regional director sends out messages to motivate, inspire and encourage staff to stay focused as public servants trying to make a difference in the lives of Texans with disabilities.  This particular email stuck with me “just because” it had a personal touch that came from the heart.  So, I asked his permission to post it on my blog….  Quote:

Just Because

Good Afternoon,

I was talking to a friend last night about when we get older and near the end of life.  What will we be thinking about in the silence of any given day?  By this time, many of my decisions would be in the past.  This is what came to my mind…

I would like to be sitting in my boat on a nice clean lake, wearing a straw hat to protect myself from the glaring sun with Vernell next to me.  I want to tell her that I loved her and my life.  I want to talk about those lunches and dinners we shared with our family and friends – how at times we laughed so much we could hardly eat!  I want to say that I held our friend Boris’ hand as he neared the end of his life, and we were there to give comfort to his loving wife.  I want to talk about my early college basketball life and walking with her in the cool night air when we were in college.  

I want to talk about when I was younger in a job I didn’t like, and I did everything I could to either change it or find ways to appreciate the one I had.  I want to talk about the first management job I took with DRS, the awards that Unit gained and the staff that became a part of our family.   I want to say that I moved to Houston to pursue my career.  Sitting in that boat I want to say that I moved from a comfortable situation to a city where my family and I grew even happier.  I pursued each job with excellence and the clear intention to support my coworkers and the agency I worked for. I want to speak of the Houston staff that allowed me to make a difference in their lives and those citizens of Texas with disabilities. 

I want to reminisce about the troubled Units that became shining stars in the State. About the growth of RST’s and VRC’s that faced challenges, but kept striving, and are now successful and satisfied.  I want to speak of staff that were issued performance levels only to flourish at what they do each day.  I want to recall the area managers who are now looking to take my place as the regional director,  the growth in life , and the work that I shared with all of my Houston staff as I sit fishing and traveling with Vernell. 

I want to say that it was a good life with no regrets. I came to Houston to join a team and after the many years of providing the “E3 Service Essentials” I am still as happy and proud as I was back on my first day.    

In your twilight years, looking back at your life and career with DRS, what will you be able to say?  

We Can Be World Class…if YOU want it!

I am listening

Unquote…

This question made me think and reflect.  When I look back at my life, what will I be able to say.  Each day is a gift that cannot be taken for granted.  Time is precious.  There are some things in life that’s too important to overlook— family, good friends, health and wholeness.  Enjoy every moment and when the time comes to transition from this earthly life to YOUR CHOSEN PLACE IN ETERNITY, you can be confident that you lived a fulfilling life committed to helping others; just because it was the right thing to do!

Reality check— Doctors die too! April 17, 2008

 

I guess it could be that we don’t think of our primary care physician as human…for a lack of better terms. 

When making an appointment to see your doctor to make sure everything’s all right with yourself can have a “ruffling” affect to hear the receptionist respond, “I regret to inform you that Dr. B died last week.”  This was my experience today.

 

Of course, my response was a startling exclamation, “Oh my God…”   Needless to say, how the explosion of thoughts and questions sent me running for cover to regain my emotional security.  But I knew she wouldn’t give any details, so I didn’t probe.  Maybe I should have… oh well.

I really liked Dr. B.  I’d been going to him for over 10 years; and had recently switched my 17-year old son from his pediatrician to him.  Upon his first visit, even he liked Dr. B.  He was always so personable, caring, thoughtful and concerned about his patients.  I guess I didn’t face the reality that doctors have health challenges too.  He was not immune even though he provided health care and advice to others.

The truth that slapped me in face is this:  No one is immune to death, even those who try to help you to prolong life.  There is no cure for death; perhaps sickness and diseases. But we all must die!   The only thing we can do is enjoy each day as a gift from God.  And when the sun sets on any given day, hopefully, we will have lived in such a way that the gift can be exchanged for an eternal inheritance received through faith in Jesus Christ.  

 

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