November is a time of fellowship, family, food and especially giving thanks for the things that have meaning in our lives. I would ask each of you to join me in reflecting on the things that are truly important to you. Many of my personal and professional blessings come from Onslow Memorial Hospital, and I wanted to share my OMH-centric list:

I am thankful for:

• The joyful noise I hear in the hallways during rounding when the staff care for each other and our patients.
• The kind words from a thankful patient
• The words from an unsatisfied patient because hearing feedback-even when it is a complaint-is always an opportunity to make it better 
• Diet green tea and the magical way they always turn up for me. It's the little things that we do for each other that make me smile. 
• An engaged, unafraid leader who stops, listens, and takes action with a glad heart.
• The numerous OMH voices of reason that can see and hear through the white noise and interference to make wonderful things happen in the right way, at the right time, for the right reasons.
• Staff members, physicians, volunteers, patients and others who speak to me about change ... and safety ... and benefits ... and everything.
• The amazing people at OMH who have taken care of the people I love.
• Faith and support from a place where people care.

There is so much more that I could list. During this season of thanks, remember the immortal words of Richard Carlson, "It's the recognition that other people's problems, their pain and frustrations, are every bit as real as our own-often far worse. In recognizing this fact and trying to offer some assistance, we open our hearts and greatly enhance our sense of gratitude." Thank you for everything you do.   

Sincerely,

Penney Burlingame Deal, DHA

President & Chief Executive Officer