Whenever I look at this picture that is on my desk, I smile! As I remember my Dad and do so daily, this picture epitiomizes him totally. Always with a huge smile and laugh on his face--- if I think back correctly, my wonderful Mom, Molly had probably told him a joke right as the camera was snapping--and yet, this was his eternal look- always with a grin!
I have so many terrific memories and how he and Mom shaped who I am today.
Two specifics that come to mind are his wonderful story on how he started his medical practice and he LOVED to tell the story- no matter how many times you heard it! The others are the wonderful life lessons that he always shared with his children and kept that list in his wallet which we found after his passing-- it was truly how my wonderful Dad lived his life:
The Story:
“A Crying Baby Launched My Practice!”
In November 1938-- I started my medical practice in a small town in Illinois after completing my internship and I knew no one in this small town after coming from New Yok City and Chicago completing my medical studies.
As I sat amongst the boxes trying to make some semblance of order, there was a knock on my door--one of the local preachers had stopped by to welcome me and say “I’ll see you in church on Sunday.” ( He didn't have a synogogue yet because he had just moved to Albion, Ill. and was all alone and the closest synogogue that I attended later growing up was 60 miles away)**He later returned to NY to meet my Mom- another story :-)
Well, that Sunday only 2 days later I was sitting in church listening to the sermon when there was a tap on my shoulder and someone said: “Are you the new doctor in town?”--Can you please come right now to see about a dying baby?
In my brand new Chevey, I followed the young man through the country road and arrived at a farmhouse and immediately saw two women nursing their babies. I then walked into another room and saw a small 5 day old baby literally in convulsions. The doctor who had been there previously said-there was no hope.
After examining the child, I determined that the baby was very sick and could possibly die becuse of starvation, malnutrition and dehydration.
We immediately set to work by finding a tiny eye dropper and feeding the baby milk continuously --afterwards the parents checked in with me to keep up with the feedings throughout the night.
That night and the next day, the baby was stabilized and started to look better and recovered completely within the week--to go on to live a healthy life.
My office opened that next day--Monday and when I walked in--I was shocked--it was a full house, in fact standing room only. That’s how it was for the next almost 50 years in practice. My realization that early day in Novemember 1938 is that word travels fast and by giving of yourself and helping people, they will in fact will return the favor over and over again.
Here are his life lessons-- I try to live by them daily:
*Listen with your inner ear. Hear what is said with the heart rather then what is said with words.
*Listen to the concerns of others.
*Know when it is important just to listen.
*Communication is hard work: hone your skills; state your thoughts clearly and briefly, remember to smile, not scowl; above all, be reasonable and understanding, be interesting and interested, be friendly and enthusiastic
*Have a sense of humor.
*Be human.
*Laugh and grin-- and as he said to me daily-- "give everyone you meet a smile and a handshake".
These are very simple, yet guiding principles that had shaped my fathers life and have shaped mine.
To all the children of fathers in this world-enjoy everyday and celebrate knowing that 'everyday is father's day' as you are surrounded by family and friends. To anyone-- if you are lucky enough to still have your Dad on earth, make sure to give him a huge hug and if not- do what I am doing--giving my dear Dr. Paul a huge virtual hug!
Happy Father's day!
Andrea-I really enjoyed reading this fantastic posting: full of wisdom and great take-aways.
Thanks for sharing this slice of your life.
All the best,
Marc
Posted by: Marc Halpert | June 20, 2011 at 06:55 AM
Andrea - what a beautiful story. Thanks for sharing it. Your dad obviously had a great influence on your life and it shows because you turned out great!
Best regards,
Jeannette
Posted by: Jeannette Paladino | June 20, 2011 at 10:40 AM