Gratitude

This year we celebrate 20 years of ownership and sisterhood. When I took over in 2004, it was a little crazy. I was naive and had no business acumen to understand how an office operates with employees, insurance plans and difficult patients whose first line of defense is, "I'm going to sue you." Dental school didn't teach business management, much less a psychology to deal with people's rolling emotions. My own experience as an associate only lead to more frustration with bastard bosses and compromising my values.
But through it all, it is amazes me that this office, this little practice of my own, this little niche of dentistry has brought me so much joy. I matured with my team and patients. I learned from my older patients to appreciate life as it comes and to just keep moving. I now understand that placing my roots in one place also gives me strength and not just boredom. I am lucky to have what I have. I love my team. I love my career and of course, I love my dental families. You guys, the good 95% of you, are the best. Other dental offices should be envious of my patient population. A while back, I took note of those who have been with me from the start. I miscalculated. I can't believe there are more than 100 families who have been on this journey with me for 2+ decades. Some have been here longer than I have. Some moved away but still came back for their dental check-ups. Every time I see them, my heart gets lighter. When I see my young patients grow up, go to college, start a family, my heart smiles. What great adults they have become. So thank you. Thank you for being a part of my life and letting this team be a part of your life for 20+ years. We are humbled. Thank you for your support and trust in us.  We had a patient who said, "I completely trust you" as he agreed to let me rebuild his jaws as a birthday gift to myself. He helps others but is stingy on himself so he is deserving of at least one gift. And yes, he's also going on 20+ years with us. We cannot be more joyful right now. 

We went for a quick break to Vegas to kick up our heels and fill our bellies. What a great time we had. 

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Goofing around and unbeknownst to us...an audience.

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