“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” – William Arthur Ward
The holiday season is a time for gratitude. It is easy to become consumed by the tragedies unfolding around the world and closer to home, and it is important to remember that there remains much to be grateful for, even in dark times.
This Thanksgiving, I was blessed to spend time with my husband, adult children, and our closest friends – people who have supported me throughout my career, in personal struggles, health and suffering. I was blessed to speak with my parents, even though they are not close by and find travel challenging. I was fortunate to see my mother last month and will see my father for Christmas. My son came home from graduate school. My daughter and her partner spent the holiday with us. Our friends and their children joined us for food and games. As my children pursue their independent lives, and my parents grow older, I am ever more mindful of and thankful for the importance of these people who support me every day. And I cherish these opportunities to spend time with them, laugh with them, and learn from them.
I am similarly thankful for the faculty and staff of the Office of Education, the students and residents, and teachers and leaders within our departments and school. I came to WashU a little over 6 years ago for the opportunity to do something I am truly passionate about – working with others to train some of the world’s finest physicians and scientists. I came with the hope of creating something extraordinary and differentiating- programs that build on the strengths and history of a truly outstanding medical school by using evidence-based educational practices wherever they exist, improving on what others have done, and creating new ideas in the face of known challenges. Together we have accomplished that and more. This is possible because we are all surrounded by so many people of remarkable skill, kindness and collaborative spirit. It is this combination of opportunity to do good things and the people who I have the ability to work with every day that fill me with gratitude for the work I am privileged to do.
Finally, I am thankful for St. Louis and the region. We have had a spectacular fall – trees of red, yellow and orange in the midst of mostly lovely weather. The last few weeks I was able to hike Don Robinson State Park, Castlewood State Park, and Laumeier Sculpture Park. I have walked, run and hiked our beautiful Forest Park. I have seen stunning sunrises and sunsets, full moons and stars, and the transition of the bright light of summer to the softer glow of autumn.
As we move into the December holidays, colder weather, and the hustle and bustle of parties, travel, gift giving, and more, let me simply say this… Thank you for inspiring me, challenging me, helping me, and for all you do to make WashU and St. Louis the exceptional place that it is. I am truly grateful.
Sending you and yours best wishes for a holiday season filled with peace, love, and gratitude.