The First of Many Lasts!

For those of you who have had a high school senior in your family, you will definitely be able to relate to what I am writing about in this blog. Our oldest daughter, Reagan, is driving now, and we think growing up and rather independent. When it came time for her to pick up her schedule for her senior year at College Station High School, my wife joined her.

My wife joined our daughter, not because she needed the assistance to get her schedule (as I mentioned she is getting more and more independent as a teenager). Jennifer joined her because pictures would be taken of our daughter in her graduation cap and gown for the yearbook.

That evening, when I got home from work, my wife said something to me that she has never said to me in 21 years of marriage. She said, “Today was the first of many lasts.” What she meant by that was this day was the last day that our oldest daughter would be picking up a high school schedule.

I have to tell you, I was a little torn. This is what is supposed to happen - she is supposed to grow up, go to college and hopefully get a job and get off Dad’s payroll :). However, at the same time, it is hard to think of our daughter moving out and going to college. Also, it made me think of our patients.

I am sure, at times, our patients going through a surgery, cancer treatment, a procedure or getting some not-so-great news about their condition and their prognosis, they may have this same thought. "This is the last birthday, the last anniversary, the last time I get to...(fill in the blank)." The seasons of life are supposed to happen, but at times they are hard.

Thank you for making the tough seasons for our patients better with your smile, your engagement, taking an extra moment, and most of all for connecting with them through memorable and meaningful ways that are impactful.

Memorable Moment:

We had a patient walk in to the Navasota Clinic last Friday thinking he needed to go to the ED. One of the staff got someone to come speak with him and she was able to figure out he had a typical reaction to a medication. She explained it to him several times until he understood. She let him know what would help, and he was happy. She saved him an ED visit and bills by listening to his issues and giving him a solution.

Thanks for all you do.

Talk soon,

Jason