Those are my words as 2021 turns in to 2022. I am grateful for all that happened in 2021, even though the year started out with the heartbreak of losing Dr. Dorr, it also reunited me with many friends, patients, former Fellows, colleagues and family of his. Marilyn Dorr and I were overwhelmed with the support, cards, kind words and memories from so many of you. That gave us the strength to keep moving ahead with Operation Walk, when at times we just felt like throwing the blankets over our heads and crying.
I ran the Fellowship for Dr. Dorr for years. Bringing doctors from China, Japan, Croatia, India and Australia to work with him for 1-2 years exposed me to many cultures. Part of my job was to help acclimate the Fellows and their families to Los Angeles. When the new Fellow came each year, they needed housing, social security numbers, banks, churches, grocery stores where they could find the food they missed from their own country. It was always an adventure for me. There were several times where we opened our home to the Fellow during the transition. I became very close to them. We always included the Fellow in our holidays. Seeing the expressions as the Thanksgiving turkey was removed from the oven was priceless. They always wanted a photo with the turkey, holding the big fork and carving knife! Easter egg hunts were fun with their children included and Fourth of July was extra special with BBQ and fireworks. All these memories came back to me as I shared the news about Dr. Dorr, who was like a father to them. But I had gratitude that I knew these doctors and could share their grief with the knowledge that Dr. Dorr has bonded us for life.
I am so grateful for the support for Operation Walk in 2021. The fundraiser that Dr. Long put on in Mary Ellen and my honor was excellent, and shows that Op Walk will remain strong under his, Dr. Kumar and Dr. Gilbert’s leadership. It was another opportunity to reconnect with many of you.
Peace is ushering me into 2022. I am learning to appreciate things more. I have always been so busy with work that I wasn’t stopping to smell the roses. Now I appreciate looking into the beautiful greenery in the yard, the blue sky, an eclipse, the smile on my granddaughters face, the warmth of the cats fur.
I have had time to reflect on what I want to leave in this world.
I want peace, health and happiness for all. I will keep assisting people as much as I can in their pursuit of a workable, pain free hip or knee. I will impart the knowledge I gained working with Dr. Dorr to the younger generation.
Wishing you all a Happy and Peaceful New Year!
– Jeri Ward R.N.