Thanksgiving 2024 has arrived, heralding the official start of the holiday season!
Of all the holidays we celebrate over the course of a year, Thanksgiving is one of my favorites. A veritable feast shared with family and friends with nothing else on the agenda save enjoying each other’s company, digesting more than usual, and perhaps watching Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade followed by some football. All in all, it is a wonderful way to celebrate an American tradition – officially designated a national holiday by Abraham Lincoln in 1863.
For many of us, Thanksgiving is also an opportunity for self-reflection and to express or just feel gratitude for the good things that have happened over this past year. I am thankful for many things…
On The Personal Side Of Life
Front and center is the arrival of our third grandchild, Rory James Satenstein, born just three weeks ago. I can’t begin to describe the overwhelming rush of emotions as we watched our own baby (our daughter Ashley) experience early labor as she headed off to the hospital to have her own baby. She made it to the hospital in the nick of time with barely an hour to spare before Rory entered the world. I am thankful that both mother and child are thriving.
Ashley somehow decided that a befitting moniker for my children to call me is “Beluga.” I mean, really? Being called “Whale” for the rest of my life didn’t exactly thrill me. But I am ever thankful that big sister Wren, now 4 years old, could only say Bua (pronounced Boo-a). So that’s who I am: Bua – a name I can happily live with.
Just last week, baby brother Simon (19 months old) called me “B” for the first time. Not quite Bua, but he’ll get there.
If becoming a grandfather for the third time wasn’t enough to feel blessed and grateful, our son and daughter-in-law Jonathan and Tara are expecting their first child in April 2025!
On The Dental Side Of Life
On the dental side of life, I am especially appreciative that all is well. When I think back to Thanksgiving 2020, we were just regaining our footing post-pandemic shutdown. I feel so grateful for how we have bounced back from the otherworldly pall that enveloped us and are thriving.
Thank you to my amazing staff for helping me to create and perpetuate the beautiful music that we make together as we care for our patients: Maira, with us for over twenty years; Carmen, over fifteen years; Sandra, over ten years; and our newbie, April, over six!
Speaking of our patients, I can’t let this opportunity go by without thanking you, my wonderful patients, for allowing me to be your dentist. I love what I do. I love practicing dentistry. I love teaching dentistry.
I feel enriched by the relationships that I have built with so many of you over the years, and I am proud of the level of dental care that I have been able to provide. You have given me so much fulfillment. Thank you.
Over the past year, we’ve been actively engaging with many of you who have visited our practice. I invite you to join our community on Facebook and Instagram. I am both humbled and exhilarated by the overwhelmingly positive feedback bestowed upon me. I take it all to heart and have been uplifted by the appreciation expressed and the observations shared. You have put a bounce in my step and a smile on my face.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to enjoy the exciting and fun stories we share, hear first-hand from happy patients, and stay updated on our latest news. If you have a moment, please consider leaving a review on our Google listing, as well. Your opinion means a lot to all of us!
Finally…
Thanksgiving offers us the chance to push the pause button and give thanks for the people and things that enrich our lives, be in the company of family and friends, and eat like there’s no tomorrow.
I wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving,
Michael
P.S. There are only 28 shopping days left ‘til Christmas!