Cheers to you.....

 

If there is anytime during the year, we reflect, it would be the last day of the year ! I am sure we can fill pages and pages of our own personal book with life lessons.

It costs us nothing to be an influence for someone else, an inspiration or simply someone to look up to.  Everyone can benefit from a kind, generous, giving, caring and loving soul. You may be all they have.  Our lives are increasingly busy, but should always make time for things that matter.  Things that stood out can make a difference not only for us, but others as well !

Everyone's list could look very different or be similar, there really isn't right or wrong, or age specific. It really should be what was significant for you. An exercise we probably don't have time for, or one that we really don't make a habit of completing.  This might be a good time to start ? So, if you did have a blank book,  and asked what your life lessons were from 2014, what would it say ?

My year was filled with life experiences amd from each was able to take away a core lesson.
So here goes my life lessons from 2014 and on to more life learning in 2015 !


1.  Do what makes you happy

2.  Give advice only when asked

3.  Like yourself

4.  Do the things that count most for you

5.  Find something special to focus on

6.  Be open to different options

7.  Know what's going on around you

8.  Your every action impacts someone, think twice

9.  Learn from every struggle

10. Go with your intuition

11. Do what you put your mind to

12. Have no regrets

13. Find your motivation

14. Focus on what you can change

15. Everyone can make a difference, how will you

16. Be the spark

17. What is your plan

18.  Make time for you

19.  If it is important to you, then that is all that matters

20.  Don't be afraid to dream

21.  Love unconditionally



Wishing you all an exciting year ahead, happiness and success !  I am hoping you will find your inspiration and areas you want to explore.  Each day is one to appreciate and treasure.  Find the strength and energy to go through each day and it's challenges, find the secret to your happiness, and most of all, share your love.  Let those around you know why they are important and how their biggest strengths make a difference for you and others.  Last but not least - celebrate and spend time together !

Happy New Year ! 
Cheers to you !

Celebrating our first healers...

 It was a full house at Milos restaurant, guests attended this lovely fundraising evening coordinated by the Hellenic medical association of Quebec to benefit Fellow, Resident and Medical Student Scholarships.  An excellent venue, great food, great wine, great company,  live music by Artemis & co and silent auction.  Congratulations to the many contributors that made this evening a huge success.

The evening started with a welcome by Dr. Chris Karatzios, President of the HMAQ Board of Directors. The purpose of these scholarships are to honour and award students of Hellenic origin attending institutions of higher learning in Quebec who excel in their studies (www.hellenicscholarships.org), you can refer to their website for the 2013-2014 Award Recipients.  Congratulations to all.

The evening was dedicated  to the first healers of our community and their relentless contributions.  We had the pleasure to meet and hear from the following Pioneers :

Kostas Benierakis
Garyfalia Bouchelou
Thomas Kolivakis
Nicolas Mandalenakis
Harry Stevens
Chris Vakis

I take great pride coming from hellenic origin and admired each one for their excellence and influence in our community.  They were truly role models and mentors to many and in many different ways.  You can clearly see the love and respect for each pioneer as Dr. Lila Amirali and Dr. George Tsoukas acknowledged their achievements across a lifetime. They all had the same thing in common - they started with big dreams and a big heart.  What an inspiration listening to all their accomplishments and hearing them recount their life in the medical field. It was inspirational to see how their efforts made an incredible difference through their committment, community involvement, leadership and dedication to patient care.  Each one of them shared their inspirational stories and each one had an enormous impact on many in the community.

One in particular had a  huge impact on me and that was Dr. Harry Stevens.  He was the surgeon that was taking care of my mom in the early years.  Dr. Harry Stevens was a household name and everyone knew who he was.  He was an important role model for his patients for decades. He educated his patients, kept them informed and shared advice to keep his patients healthy and happy, most of all, had the best bedside manners for his patients.

I remember fondly the doctor visits, but I also remember how fondly my mom would speak of Dr. Stevens. She had the highest regard for him.  I would say, the last time I visited his office was in the late 90's, just before he retired.  My mom passed away in 2003, and I never really saw him again until this event. 

Whenever the occaision came where we were talking about doctor's in the community, Dr. Stevens was often thought of and often would remind my boys that he was grandma's doctor.  So when I heard that he was one of the healers being recognized, I was so proud and emotional all at the same time.  Proud of all his accomplishments and sad that my mom was not a part of this special evening.
What made it more special was that tonight, I was going to introduce to him my son, who is in general surgery, 2nd year residency.  My mom would have been so proud to introduce her grandson to Dr. Stevens.

So after dinner, I made my way over to Dr. Stevens and introduced myself.  Shared with him who's daughter I was, we both had tears in our eyes, (more in mine).  I shared with him how proud I was of all his accomplishments, how fondly my mom thought of him and as her doctor. What an honor it truly was to be in his company.  I had the pleasure to introduce him to my family and to
Dr. Phil Vourtzoumis. It was priceless.

Dr. Harry Stevens  and Dr. Phil Vourtzoumis

Lawrence and Dr. Phil Vourtzoumis

Mr and Mrs Vourtzoumis

HMAQ fundraiser at Milos Restaurant

Mr and Mrs Bountis

Mr and Mrs Bountis (left), Lawrence Vourtzoumis

We shared an unforgettable  re-connection, one that will be truly treasured. 

Dr. Stevens said to me " tonight has been an incredible evening for me, but want you to know that you have really made my night,Thank You so much , you really made my night "

That night, we celebrated their exceptional medical profession, positive influence and passion for excellence in medecine.  After a full career, these physicians remain dedicated to the future of medicine and mentors for all future healers.

When Mr. John Theodosopoulos asked each medical student and resident to stand up, we were all very proud of our healers of the future. A proud moment indeed.

All it takes is big dreams and a big heart !