Itís the day after Thanksgiving as I write this, and my thoughts are on the holidays and the many people who arenít with their families. I think of our troops overseas. I think of the elderly in nursing homes without family. I think of all the people who have lost friends and family this past year.I donít mean to be a thorn on the Poinsettia, but yesterday I was sad because I was feeling that empty nest syndrome. My two oldest daughters and their husbands live out of state, and they didnít come home for Thanksgiving. It was just me, my husband, and my youngest daughter ó our dog and a nice warm home; and, oh, lots of good food. Now, whatís sad about all that, especially considering everyone will be here for Christmas.Rather than sad, I think itís just different. Itís about change. I know others in my circle of friends who are reacting the same to change in their lives. Iíve decided itís OK to feel the void that often accompanies change. But I must keep it in perspective because change can be rewarding as well. Just ask me in four months when I am cradling my first grandchild! Now, thatís change! (Big change for the first-time parents!)Speaking of rewarding, a Falcon dentist has been inciting numerous kudos on Facebook for his generosity and availability to his patients. One grateful Falcon patient said she had ìno wordsî to express her gratitude. When a crown came off her tooth, causing a break in the tooth; Dr. Ron Ronco and his employee, Dawn Oliver, worked their lunch hour to accommodate her. She didnít have dental insurance; her husband had died last year in a car accident; so Dr. Ronco told her the tooth repair was a Thanksgiving gift. Our own Angie Morlan said on Memorial Day last summer her husband had a miserable toothache. Angie sent a text to Dr. Ronco at 5:30 a.m. that morning. He immediately replied with, ìGive me 10 minutes, and Iíll meet you at the office.î The testimonies also cited the kindness and friendliness of the entire office. When I hear something like that, I want to recognize that person because amid all the negative news, people like Dr. Ronco and his staff prove there are good people out there.This month, we continue our series on education. Be sure to read Lindsey Harrisonís informative article on how undergraduate school systems like D 49 are trying to lessen the burden of college costs. Read the sidebar that presents the stats on college student debt. I am so glad my youngest is graduating from college in May!Finally, I hope ó no matter where you are or whom you are with or without ó that you find some peace and happiness this holiday season! See you in 2015!Happy New Year!– MichelleP.S. Stay tuned for our annual health and wellness edition, coming in January.
