The Hazard Chronicles

This weekend was a really good reminder to me about how I am grateful for the people in my life. This came in the form of multiple events, all one right after the other. Really, we have made quite the life for ourselves up here, and sometimes it is good just to be reminded how lucky we are. All of the following events happened within just a few days of each other, and each one was special, and put all together, led to a sense of fulfillment in the little things we do each day.

Anyway, it began with a lively evening at the little restaurant up at Arbor Crest  We knew a couple of the people in the band that night, and the room buzzed with familiar faces. We danced, laughed, and simply enjoyed the company of friends, a reminder of the vibrant social life we've cultivated here.

Then there was study club. I did a presentation on Friday, and a live surgery on Saturday. Both went well. More importantly, I really felt like a part of the dental community. My colleagues valued my expertise, and I loved the intellectual stimulation and camaraderie.

Next came a work party at our home. Sharing our space with colleagues, their spouses, and their children, I realized how much these relationships mean to me- many of which have extended far outside of the workplace.

Sunday was more of the same, as I played in the church band with Evelyn. Looking out from the stage, I realized that not only do I know almost everyone out there, but have also shared meaningful parts of life with many of them. This community is a place I have come to cherish, and so have our kids. I think that is really neat.

Even something as mundane as picking up eggs at the grocery store (only one store around here has them reliably in stock) turned into a good experience this week. I ran into like five families who are long-term patients of our practice, to the point- almost- that they feel like family friends. Seeing people like this in public reminds me of the long-term connections that my job allows me to form. Working with the public was never a factor in my decision to be a dentist, but has come to be one of my favorite parts of what I do.

Finally, I went skiing at Schweitzer this week with friends, and saw even more acquaintances on the mountain. We enjoyed fast conditions, and then rested at the Sky House and just took in the amazing views and the vibe and really it just reinforced my sense of belonging in the outdoor sports/fitness/adventure community around here.

In short, this weekend underscored the multifaceted nature of our lives. Various circles of friends often intersect, creating a rich tapestry of connections that contribute to a profound sense of community and well-being. It's a life I am truly grateful for.

Have a good week!

You would think that a week like this would have a lot of pictures. And it should. But I didn't take any. While I was at Schweitzer this week, just Rachel and Jackson went up to enjoy a day at Silver Mountain. After skiing they checked up on our Wallace house, which had new windows installed since we were last there. Everything looks great, and they had a ton of fun together!