When I started practicing in the Bothell area in 1980 I had no idea what a wonderful community and supportive patients laid ahead.  I'm indebted to Bothell for embracing me for almost 40 years.  Especially now that I'm retired, I like to say  "THANK YOU"  to everyone I've had the honor to meet.  I'm just one small individual who was fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve you.   Without getting sentimental, I'd like to share a poem I wrote in 1972 pondering my future as I entered college.  I named it:

                              "THE  PEARL"

I am but one small individual, wandering in the sea of man.

Like a grain of sand on the beach, I am lost in a multitude of oneness.

I only seek to be different, perchance to break away, to dream, to create.

And like an irritating sand grain within an oyster,

               to make my presence felt.

I need to stand firm for my beliefs ---- to fight opposition if I must.

Yet, be open to change when wrong --- compassionate when right.

I desire to be

               patient in understanding;

                   fair in judging;

                       calm in ridicule;

                           strong in faith.

I must admit mistakes quickly and accept victories nobly.

But, never shall I think myself “more equal” than others.

Mastering this, I will grow richer with age.

And sheltered in the womb of God, I’ll endure times of turmoil.

In the end, I, a grain of common sand,

Shall develop into something worthy of the Gates of Heaven.