With the recent passing of my father, I have been giving a lot of thought to the people that cared for him at the end of his life. It's natural to reflect on these things when big life changes happen and our course is altered in some way. I have also been thinking a lot about family and the importance of both my mom and my wife Michelle. Unfortunately, Michelle has to share her birthday with Mother's day sometimes, including this year.
This Sunday, May 9th, is Mother's Day and this year will be even more special for me because I want to give extra love and attention to both my mother and Michelle. My relationship with these women has never been closer and in my Dad's passing I am given an opportunity to further appreciate my mom as she has cared for me throughout my life. I also get the opportunity to focus on and honor the hard work and love that Michelle puts into our family. I can see the effects of that in our boys and in my own life.
Anna Jarvis of Philadelphia, whose mother had organized women’s groups to promote friendship and health, originated Mother’s Day. On May 12, 1907, she held a memorial service at her late mother’s church in West Virginia. Within five years virtually every state was observing the day, and in 1914 U.S. President Woodrow Wilson made it a national holiday.
This year I want to encourage you all to honor your mother or her memory in the most special way you can. After all, we wouldn't be here without our Moms.
Our mothers aren't the only one that care for us. Most of us have encountered various healthcare professionals in our lives. I know the majority of us can still remember a special nurse who gave us extra love and support. In my professional practice, I am privileged to work with some amazing nurses and to learn from them as well.
With two young and athletic sons, I know I am going to have a long list of nurses that care for the boys and their bumps and bruises throughout life. As an athlete, I certainly have had my share, however, the biggest ones have occurred off the field with my car and boat accidents.
While the idea of Nurses Day can be traced back to 1953 when Dorothy Sutherland of the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare sent a proposal to President Eisenhower to proclaim a "Nurse Day" in October of the following year, the day wasn't official until 1982. In February of 1982, the ANA Board of Directors formally acknowledged May 6, 1982 as "National Nurses Day." The action affirmed a joint resolution of the United States Congress designating May 6 as "National Recognition Day for Nurses." President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation on March 25, proclaiming "National Recognition Day for Nurses" to be May 6, 1982.
This week is National Nurses Week and today, May 6th is National Nurses Day. So as we celebrate those who care for us let's make sure we also take the time to acknowledge a special nurse in our lives.
You all know how much I like a good holiday, and these two are no exception. In fact, this year they are more important to me than ever. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you to my mother, and my wife, and to all the wonderful nurses that helped my Dad in his last days. There is nothing more important than caring for others. Let's use these special people as an example and put a little extra care into what we do this week.