“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” — John F. Kennedy
It can be easy — amid the chaos that dominates so many of our lives — to become lost in the fray, struggling to get through each day.
During the holidays, like next week’s Thanksgiving celebration, we are called to slow down for a moment and, on this occasion, reflect on the things in our lives for which we are grateful.
It’s ironic in a sense — that the depth of the challenges we face in supporting you are the very things that bring into stark relief that which makes us grateful. Without the contrast of struggle, blessings can feel muted, unimportant.
The challenges change year to year, and even month to month, but it is the constants for which I have deep gratitude and would like to share as we get ready for a bit of respite next week.
I’m thankful for you, the members of CHA, who year after year place your faith in this organization to deliver for you…so you can deliver for patients.
I’m thankful for the women and men like you who choose to work in health care, no matter the hardships, because you want to change lives for the better.
I’m thankful for the team at this association, who challenge, support, and inspire all at once. California hospitals are stronger as a result.
I’m thankful, as many of you are, for family and the love we share together. There’s nothing quite like family.
I’m thankful that each day, when I wake up, I am still inspired to do work on your behalf, to support the deeply worthy cause that hospitals take up 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
This Thanksgiving, many of our health care team members will not be with their families, because they are willing to give of themselves in service of others.
I’m thankful for their selflessness, and for the knowledge that when someone is in need, there will always be a helping hand to answer the call.
If you’re able, please take some time to be with your loved ones next week and to reflect on the things in your life for which you’re grateful — they are a powerful reminder of why we persevere in this noble calling of health care.
