As I write these thoughts, I am driving around the expanse of LAX awaiting the arrival of my son and daughter. Jonathan is coming from Colorado while Ashley is jetting in from New York. We are all gathering on the West Coast to be with my just turned 85 year old mom to celebrate Thanksgiving together.

Amidst the cacophony of noise, turmoil and congestion of airport traffic on the most travelled day of the year, my thoughts turn inwards. As yet another car horn blows, I wonder why I didn’t have them take a taxi or shuttle. But, picking them up seemed like a good idea at the time.

My Thanksgiving reflections are summed up in 2 words:
Grateful & Gratitude

Feeling Grateful
I am grateful for all that I have, both personally and professionally. I am blessed with the love of my family and friends. I have a truly wonderful dental practice with amazing patients and an awesome team that keeps me energized and engaged. I have experienced many personal and  professional milestones including, but not limited to, Ashley’s engagement, my 60th birthday (just a number), graduation from here years of study in the Dental Implant Program at NYU, and my appointment to faculty in the same program as an adjunct professor.

Expression Of Gratitude
To all of you in my life: family, friends, colleagues and of course, my dear patients, thank you. You have fulfilled and enriched my life in so many ways. No man is an island.

Being grateful is only half of a very happy equation. Giving thanks and expressing gratitude to all who have made such feelings my reality is the other half.

Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving,

Michael