Colombia

I recently had the opportunity to spend two weeks in Colombia as a guest of the Colombian Army to complete a humanitarian health project. I was assigned to a Medical unit from Vancouver, WA and they were a joy to be with. My army career has taken me to some cool places and Colombia did not disappoint. My brother Scott was able to be the other dentist on the trip and I could not have been more pleased. Having a brother that is close and shares common ideas and interests is a true gift. The kind of relationship that I wish all could experience.

Bogota is the capital of Colombia and I was entering South America for the first time, a slight bit anxious and ready for adventure. Many people had told me before I left to watch out for bandits and drugs. For me, I have always felt that life begins at the edge of my comfort zone. I was amazed by the beauty of the country-simply stunned! The green, the sheer biomass is intense and the flowers are beautiful. I have been around the world and have few times been anywhere as beautiful.

Then came the people- lines and lines of people responding to radio advertising of medical and dental care by US doctors and dentists. They were gracious and pleasant. I feel that dentistry is much more fun when dollars don't complicate matters. Serving the people of Pasca and Arbellaez was a pure joy. We saw some sad things and most of the teeth that were removed were just roots or broken fragments of crowns. Nobody kept a perfect count but several hundred teeth were removed and the people were treated with love and respect. Lovingkindness crosses language barriers. Smiles and compliments to their beautiful country were shared with every person. There is no better way to vacation than serving people-they are the prize!

We had excellent interpreters and they made our job easier and thanks to them we had fresh baked goods every morning. Diego Aguirre and Nicholas made nine days of fast paced dental treatment go smoothly. My assistant SSG Mike Ball could not have been better at his job. Cool, mature and he had all the women swooning at his Clooney-esque, dreamy blue eyes.

At the end of the mission I was very tired and very satisfied. The people, the villages, the food and the beautiful children were stuck indelibly in my mind. I left nothing back and worked as hard and smart as I could. The mission was a huge success and thanks to great leadership of Captain Wheatley and 1SG Dyer and a number of others. We got to Bogota and got to our hotel- oh a hot shower! Meals and a tour of Monserrat and off to the airport for home.

My impressions: beautiful land, people who have known pain and civil war and a country I would love to visit again. No word of drugs, cartels or other stereotypical ideas about Colombia. I took a ton of photos and many people as they said goodbye stated "don't forget us." I definitely will not forget the people or the land. From a dental standpoint it seems as if for some there, teeth represent 32 opportunities for pain, tooth removal and humiliation. Most humans want to look good and attractive. Having large gaps or no teeth is a part of rural Colombian life. It makes me think twice when I see the spoiled 12 year old that wants bleached teeth or braces.

Life is simple in Pasca-a village with a rough road to get in and a beautiful church in the square. It is exciting to travel and see how much people love God and make beautiful places to worship in humble circumstances. I saw the sun shining on the angel on the cathedral and got a beautiful picture of it. It will hang in my home as long as I live. I am no angel, but I met several in a stunning country called Colombia. The people again were beautiful, humble and gracious-the true prize. I was the person who was most rewarded!

The Prize

I am satisfied that I continue to gain understanding in my life. At times a simple truth slides into my consciousness and I recognize it and other times truth drops onto my head like an anvil. One of those lessons struck the core of my soul and I must share it with you.

I was concerned when a boy named Ryan walked into my office door with tears in his eyes and he would not make eye contact with me-even at his eye level. I was dentist number six and he still had teeth that hurt and a permanent molar that was abscessed. He had insurance and two hard working parents present with him in the clinic-nice people who wanted a solution to Ryan's growing dental problems. I know many sit in judgement and say, why didn't they brush his teeth? I do not want to ever assume that a situation that is already bad will be made better by harsh judgement. I know a kind and logical solution is needed and work days off shopping for dental care is not the solution to a family's financial challenges.

We talked and I weighed him, 74 pounds of handsome redhead- nine years old, wanting his dignity and as little pain as possible. Forty five minutes later he was ready to work, chatting and very relaxed from the oral sedative medicines I gave him. Nitrous Oxide on his nose and a pulse oximeter on his finger, he was quiet. He had his mother and father present with him and they watched closely. Injections went in and I started with the biggest problems first- my goal was to relieve the pain.

Just under one hour later he stood up and said "that wasn't that hard at all!" I gave him toys and his parents prescriptions and they walked out the door. All work done and two special tickets for them and a hug from Ryan.

During the sedation the father brought up the economy and not being able to attend the Monster Truck World Championships 2010-three days later. I had two tickets, 3rd row given to me by Dr Moxley. I offered them and he gladly took them. I felt good that there would be no need for dentist number seven. They found someone who could take a look and change a young boy's suffering.

I had invited my little friend Sonny De Crosta and he brought a friend. I also brought Cory, Blake and Bob. We arrived and I was lucky enough to sit by Ryan and his cousin. Dad decided if all kids in the family could not go he would send Ryan with his cousin. His parents must have put a nickel in him before the show. This little boy was non-stop talk, he knew all the trucks, filled me with information and showed me his silver teeth- he felt better and I was at total peace.

The monster trucks were amazing and I have never known what I was missing. I gave those boys dozens of high fives and was hoarse from yelling. I saw smiles, I passed kindness from Dr Moxley down to others and I am positive I got the most out of it. Yes, I took a risk inviting someone who had such an intense appointment at my office. What if the boy would not speak to me? Sonny and Ryan could not hide the smiles and my risk paid off. I left satisfied and knowing I had done the right thing.

In Iraq, when the Marines replaced the Army in the city of Fallujah, the incoming Marines were briefed by Major General James Mattis, an Infantryman, a well educated stud of a marine.. He stated that insurgents are the enemy, not the Iraqi people. Then he stated "THE PEOPLE ARE THE PRIZE!" I read every day and this statement hit me hard and stopped me. I took off my glasses and wrote it down. I have thought about it but have not found the correct words to describe how I felt. I will hunt no longer The Prize- I understand! It was the day after the monster trucks when I read this statement, the timing was perfect. The people are the prize!

From a fearful child with nervous parents, to a generous gift of tickets that I did not quite know how I would use them. To seeing huge smiles and having no voice from all of the fun. I was blown away what mindful sharing and caring could do. I was blessed and looked down the row at boys who deserved good things to happen. I thank God for my job and for knowing first hand what it means to be the recipient of unseen blessings.

Today, Monday-8:00 am- My patient named Guierrmo was 30 minutes early and I barely got the lights on and they were in the door. Spanish speakers and profound developmental disability in their son, aged 24. In the past it might have been an annoyance-no time to read the news. Not today- Guierrmo was the important visitor, his parents sought kindness. They found it, they found it today! I will gladly solve his dental needs. He was the prize that hour- he is Guierrmo, noble son of noble parents. I know that perfection exists, I saw it in his gaze, a perfect soul in a body that is not 100% perfect. I know his parents know true love and service. If not now - when? If not me -who? Who will serve, who will stop the arrogance and judgement? Mindful living must stay in my soul for me to be content. Who is my competition? Nobody! What does more stuff mean? I am tired of designer jeans and fake looks-I want to know how people feel. I want to know how you feel-how you feel. I am not beyond redemption and I know most humans have significant value. I think education and degrees make some of us "suffer" from a superiority complex. I want to be a worker, a craftsman and gentle servant. The checks are needed, the dental is fun- THE PEOPLE ARE THE PRIZE! Relationships can live on and who knows how influence will grow. Try it-find your prizes.

Gratitude and How Fast We Forget

I clearly understand that physical activity and adrenaline are wonderful for keeping a clear head. For months and months, I had missed the endorphins of skiing a steep mountain and riding a dirt bike like my hair is on fire. I am so honored that my brother noticed my need to get out of my house and office more often. My brother took me to Mammoth Ski Area. Scott had rough "sierra cement" and not a ton of fun on his snowboard, while I skied for the first time since 2007. I had a blast and my legs are making a note of the stress of being older. The key point I wish to make is this: Gratitude is the key to abundant living and healthy relationships. One word, Gratitude, can make our lives better in most ways. He recognized my need and I recognize my need to be gracious.

For example , I teach at a dental school and have written many letters of recommendation for students. People will follow you, hound you, shadow you and make endless phone calls for a letter of support. I am stunned at the number of people who when they get what they want, do not even consider saying or e-mailing a note of thanks. They could call and say where they got in for dental education. They could punch a one line e-mail sharing the results- 0 for 7 this year, they all got in. I would love to know which residency I put my name and reputation on the line for. I would love to know which of my colleagues will live with entitled students who act as if they are owed something. Background and religion might have a role with teaching of gratitude. They appear to matter not to the hungry students. I pray I was not a jerk. I once heard a definition of the word fanatic- "a person who doubles their speed, when they do not know where they are going". To be dentist is a blessing, I love my job and the kids I care for daily. I know who is average and who is great in my world. I assure all of you that arrogance and entitlement are not great defining characteristics for a pediatric dentist or most people. I am beyond the "how it looks" stage- I care how it feels! I care how I feel and others as well. I seek humility, grace and gratitude in my life. Maybe that is wisdom or age talking.

To my students, I won't call you out for how I feel. I assure you that life, children,arrogance, entitlement, pain and defeat will teach you humility Can you seek out gratitude? I called my brother tonight and told him how much I appreciated his kindness and foresight. I will forever smile at the memories from the trip and seek to make a difference for him soon. Oh, and the letters. I will write more next year.

2010

As 2010 is now here I am thankful for simply being here and having such good friends and family. I spent quiet holiday season,glad to see 2009 go. My kids came to Las Vegas for a while and we had a great time. I think the world of my Brian and Amy! Then it was back to work and on with life, continuing the daily work schedule. I find that life is a few joys and a few disappointments with the majority of time just being- neither happy or sad. I also know that work is good for our souls and a great method to stay focused in our lives.

When the earth shook in Haiti three days ago, I was glued to the television. I have been on the other side of the island in the Dominican Republic, but not Haiti. I loved my time in DR and get to have some more in the near future. I enjoy the idea of service and caring for people when dollars do not matter. On humanitarian missions whether Army sponsored or private we can give and smile and be authentic to those who are less fortunate. I often feel like I get more from giving the service than those who I give dental care to. I love the whole idea of service to others and yet in the U.S. charity or giving of ourselves often confuses relationships or brings imbalance to a friendship. I have more than once fixed a tooth and said "no charge" and it was harder than just accepting payment. Pride is a funny thing- how can we let someone do something kind for us and just be gracious in a simple fashion. Instead we can get stuck in expectation and the thought of payback. Then we lose the whole idea of generosity or kindness.

Gratitude is the key to abundant life. Say thank you often and thank God that you are warm and fed. I see the news in Haiti and the reporters speak of 100,000 dead. Who knows how many people are suffering a demise from illness or infection, people who matter and seek love and comfort in their lives. Think of the psychological and social losses. I only need to look in my mirror to see a blessed man.

I believe our challenges include never giving up. Lance Armstrong stated, " Pain is temporary, quitting is forever!" I feel strongly that we as human beings need to stop our own judgement and hatred. We need to be loving and tolerant of others views and choices. We should pray for those who suffer. I cannot imagine the suffering and sadness in Haiti today. Look at your life, look at your kids, and thank God that it is not you, trapped, suffering or missing.

Happy 2010- make it a year of gratitude and kindness. It is truly a blessing living with abundance and comfort.

Happy Holidays and Heathens Greetings!

It is the Holiday Season of 2009, a year that will go down in my life as a major challenge and very, very humbling personally. Difficulty is inevitable in life and yet suffering is truly optional. I would like to have less experience with suffering, especially that which results from my own judgement. Having a belief system that there is a purpose for all of this bliss mixed with everyday monotony and challenge is what makes life meaningful for me. I know that some people disagree with me about a divine purpose and are very vocal about their views. I want to stand for mine, a hope and a belief in a loving God.

There are billboards in Las Vegas this Christmas season that say, "Heathens Greetings!" and "Yes Virginia.....there is no God!" The second one was taken down after several complaints from those who believe and live with hope. By the some who do not believe, these are surely looked upon as "the gullible". How would one feel to be a child and read that there is no God? Especially if your family version of truth is based in a loving and redeeming relationship with deity. In America, the first amendment gives all persons the right to speak and share their thoughts. That is a great right and yet often it gets ridiculous! Why would someone spend the money to make a statement such as "Heathens Greetings!" I would probably just shut up and not pay to be looked at as an agitator. I would rather be quiet than an arrogant agitator, one who shares my beliefs that are counter to the spirit of the populace during the holiday season.. In the middle east, a counter religious statement would mean a head cut off or worse. Oh, oh our first amendment gives all the voices equal say and yet some just seem to portray a message of what they are- miserable.

Doubt is popular, belief in God is almost looked down at in scientific circles. The atheism movement is gaining momentum and I don't blame people who are confused. If there is no God, why should they care. There are fewer crowds for Sunday brunch. A bumper sticker I saw said, "Science flies people to space, religion flies people into buildings!" I recognize fanatics of all types. Religion is uncomfortable for many in our society. The magicians, Penn and Teller are vocal about the "foolishness" of those who believe in God. They deal with illusion and they use their celebrity status to push their beliefs on audiences? Performers?Speak with your dollar and show them how you feel. Belief and personal faith is under assault in America and worldwide. A person's faith is personal and deserves respect from others. Some are annoying and others just double their speed when they do not know where they are going.

I believe in God. I do not fear God, for I love God. I know that I will have plenty to be accountable for and that is my business. We all owe God a death and will face our moment of truth. I am puzzled by the concept hell and the lake of fire and brimstone. Brimstone when superheated, burns from the inside out, leaving a carbon shell. Sort of like a personal recognition of wrongdoing and a burn from the inside out. I will certainly feel sorrow for knowing I was not what I could have been. I will know God and his son, Jesus Christ- for they knew me first. I was created in their image.

Seasons greetings and enjoy your faith and hope in a savior, in redemption and being with family forever. The concepts make sense to me and I claim to have only seen glimpses of perfection in my life. In the eyes of several disabled children and adults. The glimpse of the eye that tells me a perfect spirit resides within the body and will be glorified and redeemed. It gives me knowledge and belief of a larger picture of life. As for me, I believe in Christ. As for the the billboards, they are sending a message that to my core makes no sense. Make a stand for peace and the positive in your lives. Share your gifts because we are given earthly and spiritual gifts and talents. Give to those in need, be charitable with no strings attached. I am blessed and in spite of challenges and imperfection, I look forward to 2010 and a Happy New Year.

Serving Those Less Fortunate

I believe that the greatest things in the world are not things, they are relationships and friendships that we form and nurture. When I went to work today and drove in the dark to Flamingo Surgical Center I had the feeling I was in for a tough morning. Not so much hard work as dealing with parents with sad histories and tragic stories.

My first patient was a 15 year old with a sad, sad syndrome that make her severely developmentally delayed and blind. She speaks Serbian and has no way to know why she would need to go to sleep in an OR and wake up with pain in her mouth. Her mouth is diseased and she live with pain and severe bleeding from he inflamed gums. Her father is an immigrant and her mother was abducted and had her head cut off. All because of who she was and what she believed. I held her closely as she breathed the inhaled gas that puts her to sleep. I opened her mouth after anesthesia was ready and saw a mess. One created by many years of her not ever allowing anyone to brush her teeth or gums. It was beyond sad what I saw and I slowly worked through the problems and saw why she was in pain. Teeth were removed and two big abscesses were drained. It was a case that I needed a shower when I was done. I felt dirty, I was dirty and yet full of love for this young lady. I knew she was going to suffer from teeth being removed and gums trimmed down. It was bloody and the odor was beyond belief. I had the opportunity to serve an angel today.

I finished and took her to recovery. I explained post operative instructions to her father through an interpreter. I saw a weathered man who looked much older than he really is, a man who wished he had a daughter that could be educated and married. Instead he got to be a single dad in a foreign country with a life long challenge in his daughter. I felt and saw his emotion as she was awakening and he shook my hand for a long time and said thank you. He smiled with teeth that were not good and yet I saw a blessed man. A man who has freedom and a man who knows love on a level that many do not learn. A disabled daughter that needs full time care- he knows how to be the caregiver of an angel, trapped in a body that does not work perfectly.

My next patient was a child with a full mouth of decayed baby teeth and parents that many would never, ever give the time of day. They are hard working folks that do not have skills that many would feel are necessary for success. I took several teeth out of this boy and crowned several teeth with stainless steel crowns, it was all I could do for him. A chunky kid with carrot red hair and rotten teeth. He went to recovery and I met with mom and dad, they were kind and relieved. Much different than they had been last week when they showed up having fed the child and the procedure had to be cancelled. General anesthesia has to occur on an empty stomach. He ate chicken and drank milk. Dad was extremely angry and had released a few words at me that were not mature. Thankfully I had met people like him before and educated him, he did leave a bit mad but came to the office to apologize, no longer mad. Today he was apologetic and gracious. A different man. A man I liked and a family that I wished the best for in the future. I know life is hard for them and I hope I made a positive impact for them.

Two kids, nothing truly exciting for the average dentist. A challenge, an opportunity and all in a days work for thousands of pediatric dentists that treat and love disabled kids and unskilled families. I am glad I accept Medicaid, many don't and say the patients never show up and are difficult. I have always been more excited to care for a van load of migrant children than a child with his mother in a Mercedes and a tennis dress. I had two fully insured patients today and left he surgical center knowing for sure I had made an impact for the better. I learned about not judging people. I learned about change that comes from calm and solid education, I realized how blessed I really am in my life.

Normal for me is different. I have to coax and educate and sedate children daily. Normal for most dentists is the desire to run the Nordstrom practice and do veneers and have perfect patients. Nobody truly gets the perfect world. Many talk about how good it is and how well they are doing. In 2009 it has become cool to talk about how sad and down the practices are due to the economy. I choose to not participate in the recession. I choose to work and teach and love those who walk through my doors. I am honored to serve, and I believe that work is the best cure for anxiety. If life finds me down I only have to think of the children with dental and social and maturity challenges that I am honored to serve. I also feel better, my worries and problems are different. Only different and yet real problems. Who am I? I am a man who went home feeling well, feeling like I made a difference- for the unseen, underserved and perfect souls in bodies that are never perfect. They do deserve the best care and to be treated with love and dignity. They deserve quality and kindness for sure. It was a successful day and it felt so, so good. Count your blessing if you have healthy kids and understand that we are one accident from total dependence on others, disability or death. Live each day-truly live and show gratitude, it is the true key to abundant living. Serving who I see daily is wonderful. Normal for me is just how I like it. I can't see me doing anything else. I am blessed- beyond measure. An now time for a hot shower. Happy Holidays!

Major Ed Caraveo

It is odd how tragic events occur and we often accept the big picture as what it is and do not pay attention to the fine details. Tonight I was on a web site and ran across a tribute to the fallen in the Fort Hood Shooting incident on November 5th 2009. I scrolled through the names and one name of a fallen soldier jumped out at me and grabbed my heart in a sad and shocking way.

Libardo Eduardo Caraveo, Major US Army Reserve- murdered by a fanatic at a Soldier Readiness Station at Fort Hood, Texas. Ed was my roommate for two weeks in July of 2009. We attended Captains Career Course for the Army at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas and roomed together. Both majors and we have last names that end in "C". We shared a dual dorm room and a bathroom and were with several other excellent soldiers.

We walked in the evenings, studied together for exams and ate many meals together. He was a bright man with a mature insight into life. I very much enjoyed his company and his focus on what mattered. He spoke of his service at Guantanamo Bay and how much he missed his beautiful wife. He told me he was going to be deployed in the fall. I never dreamed to where. He was laid to rest in Arlington Cemetery with full military honors.

I cannot imagine the stress of losing a loved one as a soldier, especially in such a random act of violence. I often thought of what would occur if I died in my two deployments to Iraq. Flying at night over Baghdad looking out the back of a Chinook with a gunner and the city light below. I resigned myself that one stinger missile and I could be gone. I knew my life was often in the hands of fate and that my soul belonged to a loving God who would welcome me home with open arms. Sitting in my trailer on FOB Echo with mortars hitting regularly was another of those times when it was not in my control whether I was lucky or not. When it is our time, it is our time. I resolved that dying in uniform, for a noble cause-even if it is repairing teeth of foreign soldiers was good enough. Once the fear of death subsides-then living is easier and then one tends to worry about those who struggle with what is happening. Ed was the man to volunteer to make people feel better. I am sure he would have made a difference in Afghanistan or Iraq. He made a difference in two weeks with me and was a most pleasant man.

God bless you Major Caraveo- and bless your family too. Your life is an example of courage and strength. I only wish I had paid attention to your loss sooner. It was opportunity to understand more deeply the loss of a great man sooner and pay my respects.