By Joe Blaes, DDS
I have felt the touch of many people during the last few weeks. All have left an indelible mark on my life. One good friend shared memories of losing his first-born son on the 92nd floor of Tower 1. He touched me with a very special memorial to his son. All of us who did not know him came to know him. While it is one thing to read and hear about the stories of 9/11, it is quite another to hear the story directly from a friend! Bob, my prayers are with you.
Others have touched me with the news of the illness of someone dear. They were searching for the reasons why illness had struck. Another good friend has shown a strong faith that has amazed and humbled me. It has helped him to survive a brain cancer that should have killed him long ago. I only hope that I can summon that kind of faith when it is my turn to face a life-threatening illness. Jim, my prayers are with you.
Others have touched me with the good news of a cancer beaten, a child born in good health, a triumph of the spirit, and the little stories of how life often is full of surprises every day if we are just open to them.
I thank the Lord every day for good health. I figure that I have it made every morning when my feet hit the floor, so I pinch myself and say a little prayer of thanksgiving for another day to serve others.
I feel so very fortunate to understand what I am trying to do. I am simply trying to help others get what they want. I figure that if I can satisfy the needs of people, then I will be successful in my practice and successful with the magazine. I love to teach through my seminars, workshops, and videos. I believe this is a way that I can touch people in a positive way to help them get what they want.
I am often asked how I do all that I do. Well, it is really fairly simple. I have a lot of people backing me up.
First is the love of my life, my wife Sue, who puts up with my deadlines and my stressful departures (I am always running late!). She is a wonderful person, and she has earned a special place in heaven for putting up with all of my crazy ideas.
Next comes the family members who always check on whether I will be in town before they schedule a birthday party or another family event.
Genna takes care of the office and keeps me on schedule for all of the traveling that I do. She keeps the articles organized for the magazine and makes sure that I do the things I promise others I will do.
My boss, Lyle, gives me a lot of rope, and I haven't hung myself yet. He is great to work with.
Mark is the group editorial director, and he makes sure the magazine gets put together every month. He has saved me many times.
Penny, Vicki, Linda, Ted, and Kevin comprise the editorial staff that makes me look like a genius every month. Thanks for all you do!
Then there is a whole group of people that I certainly could not do without, but you have probably never met or heard of them - the sales people. They sell the ads so that the magazine can exist. So, David, Craig, Marv, Kim, and Chris, keep up the great work that you do to make Dental Economics the best magazine in the industry.
I could never have become the editor of Dental Economics if I weren't a dreamer! I have been a dreamer all my life. I embrace change because it is the elixir of life. Change makes life interesting and exciting.
Change allows us all to grow! Don't be a spectator in life; be a participant. Be a leader, not a follower! Have a vision and a plan ... and nothing will stop you!
Joe Blaes, DDS, Editor - email: [email protected]
