He ran a busy practice, was kind to everyone he met, and taught his children important values to live by.
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In 1974, my dad opened his new medical practice in Youngstown, Ohio. Youngstown was famous for steel manufacturing, even though it was one of the poorest locations in the nation. When the steel mills closed in 1977, the economy sank to an all-time low. The drugs and crime were so rampant during the 1970s and 80s that Youngstown was called “Little Chicago.”
Even though my dad’s schedule was hectic with his practice, hospital rounds and family life, he still had time to listen and talk to me as a loving father.
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My dad clearly saw Youngstown as an opportunity to provide the underserved with excellent medical care and counseling. When he started his practice, his patient load averaged between 15 and 20 patients a day. My mother managed his practice so that my dad could focus on being a good physician.
My parent’s thriving medical practice grew to 75 patients a day. They often worked 10 to 11 hours a day, six days a week. There were nights when I did my homework, ate dinner and snoozed on my dad’s office couch, while my parents worked. No matter how tired my dad was, he handled each patient with such care and gentleness.
There were many times when patients did not have money for medicine or office visits. My dad provided them with encouraging words and made sure that patients who couldn’t afford to pay received medication and paid on their next visit. He was more concerned about the health of his patients than their ability to pay for their visit.
Even though my dad’s schedule was hectic with his practice, hospital rounds and family life, he still had time to listen and talk to me as a loving father. For instance, I marveled at his knowledge and skill in treating his patients. I asked questions a great deal of the time to learn about his profession. He often pulled out the appropriate medical book and showed my how to look up medical terms about the amazing human body and its limitations. On many occasions, I opted to make rounds with my dad just to spend time with him.
In 1976, my mother died of Leukemia. I was 13 at the time and it took a tremendous toll on my family. My dad, brother, sister and I were devastated. Looking back, I recall the pain my dad suffered from the loss of my mother. As a father, he did everything he could to protect my brother, sister and me from the harsh reality of the loss of my mother. I recall my dad’s incredible strength and courage in raising us, while managing his practice. He accepted the responsibility and never complained.
My greatest mentor was my dad. His words of wisdom have guided me throughout my life..
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During his time as a doctor, counselor, and father, he wrote daily. In fact, the only time I saw him without a pen and notepad was while he was driving, walking the dog, making rounds and sleeping. Writing was cathartic for my dad as much as it was instrumental to his practice and research.
When my brother, sister and I finished high school and college, my dad attended graduate school. He obtained his Master’s Degree in Divinity to counsel individuals spiritually as well as mentally, emotionally and physically. On my dad’s final journey of giving back, he counseled young men in prison. He became the chief medical examiner and chaplain of a medium security prison in Ohio. My dad saw the inmates as individuals who needed guidance and care regardless of their past. He treated them with the greatest respect.
My father finished his final assignment in the act of giving on July 7, 2002. When my dad died, the prison administrators held two memorial services so that many of the staff and inmates could attend. It was a great loss to our family, the community, and the medical field. He was an educator, author, spiritual advisor and physician to hundreds of underserved individuals for nearly thirty-five years.
My greatest mentor was my dad. His words of wisdom have guided me throughout my life. Here are seven lifestyle principles from my dad that I cherish daily. They are:
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Learning never stops as long as people have needs. Learning comes from listening to those in need and engaging in the right education to help solve those needs.
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The power of the pen can change lives through writing to reflect, understand and educate others to live a healthier lifestyle.
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A holistic approach (spirit, soul and body) can better address the total well-being of individuals for complete mental, emotional, physical and spiritual healing.
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Always provide excellent service, kindness, and respect.
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Your passion will drive what you do and it should always include making society better.
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Inspiration is the key to success. If you can dream it, you can achieve it. Stick with your dream and it can become a reality.
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Give selflessly. When you give, blessings will always come back to you in many different forms.
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Photo: GettyImages
Extraordinary man. How lucky you are.
Hi, thank you! He really was. I wish I could have shared more. I appreciate the feedback.