“We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.” — Thornton Wilder, playwright
One of the few uniquely American holidays, Thanksgiving marks the special time of year when we can come together with friends and family to remind ourselves of the many things for which we can — and should — be grateful.
Every year, I take time to think about the things for which I am thankful. Beyond my own family and friends, I reflect on the just cause we are fortunate to be a part of and the importance of your daily mission to improve the health and lives of Californians.
For many, this holiday is a moment to inventory that for which we are grateful — whether at the Thanksgiving table or in a private moment of reflection — and “health” is almost always prominent on that list.
We know that without our health, some of those we love at our Thanksgiving table might not be there. And hospitals play a key role. Without hospitals, and the curing and caring you and your teams provide 24/7, our Thanksgiving tables would be smaller and some of those we love would be missed.
So this year, I am thankful for the women and men who make up the teams of hospital caregivers who show up every day, ready to make a difference in others’ lives. And I am thankful for all of you — for your leadership and perseverance, and for pressing through the enormous challenges you face every day to bring care to your communities.
On behalf of your team here at the California Hospital Association, we are all thankful for what each of you do to make a difference — whatever that looks like — every hour of the day, every day of the week, and every week of the year.
