My 30 years of being a doctor reinforces that belief every single day. From the tiniest newborn baby to the person in their twilight years, each one has their individual uniqueness and purpose in this world.

Your birth certainly was no accident. You are a gift. You have a purpose. You are a lesson. There is not one person born, no matter the circumstance, that did not have meaning in this world. 

I have learned unconditional love from parents with their children, trust from the eyes of my patients, courage from those fighting to survive and gratitude from those who have lived life to the fullest, to name a few.

I have cared for patients so crippled by their disease and unable to care for themselves, teach resilience and love in the purest form. I watched their caregivers in awe as I learned what supreme patience and unwavering dedication truly mean. 

Sometimes we are too critical of ourselves and even unforgiving. To someone else though, you are their whole world. Never forget that. You are extraordinarily special and are here on this earth for a reason.

I am grateful for my life. I am grateful for you.