As most of you know, I work in healthcare. More specifically, I am a nurse practitioner. As any nurse will tell you, we have a ‘favorite’ pen. I know this sounds silly, but all work must stop if we misplace this wonderful writing instrument until it can be found. Sadly, I have a LARGE collection of various pens I have purchased, ‘found’ and have been given throughout the years. I recently grabbed a new pen for work from the collection to use at work. The inscription on the pen was ‘AdventHealth One Epic Journey’. These pens were handed out as we were implementing a new electronic health record system several years ago, aptly named EPIC. It has been a journey; nevertheless, it has been anything but epic!
This started me thinking about our journey in life and how many people would describe their journey as epic. A few months ago, I was sitting in the back of a Cracker Barrel restaurant and thinking to myself, ‘ I wonder what their story is?’. Looking at all the tables filled with people interacting with each other; laughing, talking, engaging. As I looked at each table, I began to wonder more about what their story was. Did they come out to celebrate a happy occasion? Are they traveling on vacation as a family? Or maybe, they’re merely stopping for breakfast after visiting a family member in the hospital that is sick or dying.
Each table has a story about their journey, and each individual at that table has a story about their journey. This got me thinking, ‘Why are we here?’. Not in the way I was looking at the people or the tables. But why are humans as a species here on this planet? What good have we done, what good will we do?
Two such stories come to mind in my life. Two people who were taken from this life too soon, and I often wonder what wonderful journey they did not have the chance to finish. The first person I can recall is a wonderful man I worked alongside in my medical clinic. His name was John, and he was so very full of life. He embodied the definition of Italian and New Yorker as if he were the template by which all others were drawn. His smile was infectious, and his hugs enveloped you to the point that you felt the energy they produced. John passed away almost 10 years ago, and each time I remember him, I recall the fact that I wish for more days with him. His caring demeanor was palpable in each and every interaction with our patients, and if he had a bad day, they never knew it.
The second person that comes to mind is my nephew by my former marriage. Ryan was only 23 years old when he was struck down by a drunk driver. He was pursuing a career in law enforcement, continuing in his father’s footsteps. He had survived a tour to Iraq as a US Army Reservist and been with his employer only 3 months. It was clear to those that knew Ryan or spent any kind of time with him that he was ‘different’. He LOVED the Lord and knew that his job on earth was to make it better, simply by living his life and service to others. His family has started a foundation, ‘Live Like Ryan’ to help those young adults that wish to spend their lives in service to others.
That seems to be the common denominator…. Service To Others! Both of these great men, at different time periods in their lives living to serve others. There is so much that i have done, but so much I have left to do. I look ahead to new experiences and wonder how I can continue making a difference, bring peace to the world. I want to be thought of as an encourager, a cheerleader.
I feel at some time or another in our lives, we all get restless, not happy with who or where we are. Or who we are with, at work, at home, with family and friends. Moving forward is such an important part of nature. Take for example the shark, if it is not constantly moving, swimming forward, it cannot get the oxygen it needs. If we aren’t constantly moving forward, we cannot continue to grow in our personal or professional lives. I know I have to keep moving forward allowing myself to work toward the things I want to live the life I want. I genuinely wish happiness for each and every one of you whether you are at the table alone or with your friends and family. I hope that you continue moving forward to make your life everything you want it to be.
Stay tuned for exciting news……. WE ARE MOVING FORWARD!!!
Healing You 
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