Simple Life

The stuff we remember—the stuff that makes a life well lived—is the simple things…

Earlier today I was sitting in the Nashville airport after an HCA Conference presentation. A guy in the bar near me was playing an old Tom T. Hall song, “Old Dogs, Children and Watermelon Wine.” It is a song I’m quite familiar with because it was released in 1972. 1972 was a good year, I graduating from high school that year!

Christmas is less than two weeks away and I always get a little sentimental during this time of the year. As many of you know, I love to laugh. I got up to listen to the music and right in front of me was none other than Santa. I walked over and sat down next to him and he asked if I wanted my picture taken. As an old professor, I’ve been asked a lot of questions that didn’t need a complicated answer; so, I said, “Of course.” No fake beard and no fake belly; a real, genuine, one hundred percent Santa.  He asked with a twinkle in his eye (of course). “What can I get for you?” We looked at each other and said at the exact same time, “Life is good!”

You know the moment: an instant bond. We laughed and he said you know it’s days like this that makes me forget I have aches and pains. I said, “Santa, getting old ain’t for sissies!” I got a lot more than a picture with Santa today. I was reminded that the stuff we remember—the stuff that makes a life well-lived—is the simple things: A star, a Prophecy a Shepherd, a Manger, the Christ Child. During this special time those of us from my office and my family want to pause and wish you the Merriest of Christmas Seasons. I hope the new year brings you a simple life with simple pleasures. Life is good!