PAST EDITOR'S MESSAGE | FALL 2009

Merry Hampton
Picture
Time is Precious.

Time, family, friends and colleagues are all precious commodities. With the economy as bad as it is, it seems I have quickly learned that some things are more important than others. Getting back to basics can be a very important learning experience. I know that owning a small business I have been forced to do more things myself. In retrospect it has been great for me. I have learned to appreciate tasks that my front office staff does. I have become more efficient with my time. I have a more hands on approach with everything that is done in my office, and at home, which in turn has become very rewarding for me.

I have learned to appreciate my family and friends. With it being a little slower in my office, I have taken the opportunity to keep in touch with more people than I have in the past. I have become more in tune with other peoples lives. It makes me feel good to make other people happy just by showing them that someone out there cares.

Precious Colleagues, many of you have heard of the passing of our great friend and colleague Dana Charter. I was so taken back with grief and disbelief. My heart just broke of hearing the news of his passing. I remember Dana riding his motorcycle during an early morning ride that Eric Iwamoto put together at our Spring Seminar in Universal City. That ride seemed to be so much of a thrill for Dana. He was like a child in a candy shop. I will truly miss him.

I will miss another colleague of ours. Mary Richter-Jessen passed away this February. She was the sweetest woman. She worked in Fresno, CA at Pacific Dental Imaging as a Dental X-ray tech. I remember Mary considering running for the Board of Directors. She expressed that she wanted to do her part in helping our organization. Unfortunately time elapsed and I did not receive the honor of working with her on our board. I will miss Mary as well.

So in ending, take the time to contact friends, and colleagues, appreciate your coworkers and remember that your family will always be there for you.

Time is precious