Tales of the Ordinary Days

View from Floor 2 of Think Whole Person Healthcare We survived Week 1. Think. Launch. Go-live. A vision becoming reality. 'Survived' may come across as a word to give pause. But given 300+ employees on their first day in a new job, a newly christened building, and many loyal patients anxious to connect with their trusted physicians; the word is fitting. And we did just that. With smiles on our faces and perseverance to achieve a common mission of patient-focused healthcare, we combated the obstacles before us. Each day continues to be a step closer to the excellence we will achieve. In the real world, life happens contrary to our best plans. Just as our sick patients didn't anticipate a trip to the doctor, Think also dealt with the unexpected over the course of our first week of operations. Exhausted at times, I found myself walking around the building taking in it's beauty and the refreshment of the patient interactions happening throughout. My new routine ...

As we approach the opening date of our new healthcare clinic, I am reminded of what has inspired me to take the leap of faith in joining this great venture. Although my area is finance, what I do and what motivates me is much deeper. A Midlands Business Journal article from years ago hangs on my office wall. It articulates some bits behind this motivation. Back in 1996 I was named as one of the 'Ten Outstanding Young Omahans'. The MBJ individually interviewed and ran an article on each honoree. I was asked by the reporter how I became interested in healthcare with my background in accounting. I told the reporter the story of my grandpa who had a stroke when I was in high school. I had spent months accompanying my grandma to the hospital, 45 miles away, as a support to her as she cared for her recovering husband. While my grandpa was painfully learning how to walk and talk again, I observed from the sidelines of the rehab room. When he would rest, I would wander the hos...

Just another ordinary day in Omaha. Many have been asking what I'm up to; why this blogger has gone suddenly quiet. Illness? Sadness? Or joyful bliss in my new chapter? So here I sit. 9:57 p..m. on a Tuesday night, answering this very question. I am feeling like I'm 'back home', pounding on my keyboard, but without the background noise of work e-mail, spreadsheets or checking on-line grades for kids. My ordinary day of today is much different than it was two, three...five years ago. We are all older with pressures of everyday life, much different. I guess the best way to start is not with a catch-up of the many days that have passed since my last blog, but instead on the day now ending. Pretty representative, if I say so myself.... Today started with a 5:30 a.m. run. I have run with this same group of ladies since we were potty-training our now 18 year-old's. Same route. Same friends. Same kids. Just different challenges and life goals. Our perspectives...