Much like a beautiful sunset proclaims the fading moments of the day just gone by, so the pending arrival and celebration of New Year’s Eve marks the completion of the current calendar and heralds the arrival of a new year. One chapter closes, and with the turn of a page, a new one begins. Such is the story of life.

Where does the time go?

With each year that passes, it seems that the next one flies by even faster. And while it’s true that for every year we grow older, each subsequent year is a smaller fraction of the measure of our life lived so far, I also believe that we are so busy actively living (what is hopefully a fulfilling) life that we barely notice the passage of time-until it has passed. For many of us (most certainly for me), New Year’s Eve is a time of reflection and introspection.

Politics aside (no commentary intended, 2016 has been a very fulfilling year. On the personal front my daughter Ashley became engaged to a wonderful guy named Steven (wedding in 2017) and has joined my wife in her private hand therapy practice.

My son Jonathan is thriving in Colorado. (Ann and I are looking forward to several “ski visits” this winter because, after all, it is our duty as parents not make him feel neglected) I celebrated a milestone birthday (60) and discovered that I don’t feel any older than I did when I was still in my fifties and in fact, may have more energy and drive than I did just a few years ago. (Losing 40 pounds certainly helped).

On the professional side of life I completed my third and final year of the Dental Implant Program at NYU and was invited to join the faculty as adjunct professor in the same program. So, while I am not in the office on Wednesday’s, it’s not because I’m out playing golf, but rather because I’m teaching at NYU and pursuing my passion of implant dentistry in another venue.

I also achieved my Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry and have now set my sights on attaining Mastership status. And thankfully, my practice is thriving with the continued support of so many truly wonderful long-time patients (I have been awed by the arrival of several third generation members of families under my care) and of course, with the continued flow of new patients (thank you so much for all of your personal referrals.)

Yes, one chapter ends.

A new one begins.

The story continues.

I wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous 2017.

And, I wish for you all…

everything that you wish for.

Michael