It has become a yearly ritual for many of us to take a moment to remember those who lost their lives six years ago, this month. On September 11 and during the days that followed, I felt like many of you probably did. Shaken to the core. Uncertain of much that I had thought I was sure of. Desperately hoping that everyone I knew who lived or worked even remotely close to those towers was well and accounted for. And heartsick for the families who lost husbands, wives, sisters, brothers, parents, and children.
A lot of us changed in the days that followed, too. I know I was not alone in reevaluating what was really important in my life. I started calling and e-mailing my family more, and making the drive to St. Louis more to visit them. I spent more time with my pets. I stayed in closer touch with friends. And like many, I developed little annual rituals of remembrance in the years that followed that horrific day. I set aside time to remember those who lost their lives. I remembered the countless heroes who emerged to save so many others. I made time to re-evaluate what was most important in my life.
Several years ago, I made a big decision about one of the most important things in my life - my hospital. I decided that while I loved my work and couldn't imagine doing anything else, I didn't want to live at Knollwood Hospital for Pets, as I had been practically doing since 1993. I wanted time to read and study and do fun stuff, too. And, after years of interviewing not-quite-right veterinarians, I found the answer to my prayers last October. Dr. Mary Papacek, who had recently sold her own veterinary hospital, fortuitously read our ad in a veterinary journal last September and realized that our hospital was not just quite close to home, but was a AAHA hospital with a lot in common with her own high standards. We hired her immediately, and it remains a delight to work with her and to see how many of you have accepted her outstanding veterinary skills for your own pets. We both find that we are saner, happier, and able to spend more time updating our veterinary skills, now that the workload is shared. I am delighted to be able to have more time to teach, lecture, study, and garden, and Dr. Papacek has been honing both her considerable dental and surgery skills, and her cooking expertise! (And Dr. Boudreaux is thrilled to be able to concentrate solely on practice management!)
What about you and what you want most in life? Have you changed anything in your life, to better reflect what is most important to you? Have you developed any annual rituals of remembrance and self-reflection? Author Cheryl Richardson recommends setting time aside, during the month of September, to ask yourself the questions that follow - perhaps over a meal, with family and friends.
Am I pleased with how I'm spending my precious time on earth?
Am I spending enough quality time with the people who matter most?
Am I doing my best to listen to the voice of my soul so I make honest choices based on what I most want?
If today were my last day on earth, would I feel good about what I'm leaving behind?
Am I sharing (or working toward sharing) my gifts and talents with others?
Are there any petty disagreements or differences that I need to let go of, once and for all?
Is there someone I need to forgive?
I would add......do you make time to remember not just the people, but the pets in your life? And do you acknowledge your friends and dear ones, when important milestones pass in their pet's lives? It is so important to a pet lover to know that others care about our pet-related milestones - both sad ones and joyous ones. Just last week, our Webmistress Kelly forwarded to me a note from a client, who had heard about the Big Girl's passing and wanted to tell me about a ritual of hers. She and a group of friends who love pets hold a Circle of Light celebration each September, to celebrate the memories of all the pets they have loved and lost. She wanted me to know that her group would be including Sofia in their remembrance this year. And my sister Kristin made the time to look through her pictures of our family gathering over the 4th of July and printed out and sent several wonderful pictures of my Sofia. Several clients and some of my herbal class students sent heartfelt condolence notes to me. I couldn't have received more heart-warming gifts. Rest assured, your pet-loving friends understand the importance of these gestures.
So - remember your friends, family, coworkers, and their pets. Send a birthday card to a person or pet you know. Do something dashingly romantic for your significant other. Tell a co-worker how much you appreciate them. Make up a silly song for your pet, and sing it to her loudly. Call a parent - and have an actual conversation. Hug your teenager. Make sure that you are nourishing your pet with safe, wholesome food, by checking our Pet Food Recall list on the website. (Did you know that even as recently as late last month, more pet foods were being recalled?). And how about making sure that your own food is equally safe, fresh, and nourishing? Make some time to do nothing. Make more time to do nothing next month, and the month after, until it becomes routine to enjoy "downtime" without feeling guilty about it. I'm not there yet....but I hope to be!
