On July 13, 1996, my father died after a battle with cancer.  I was Chief Resident in Plastic Surgery at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center.  I was with him at my childhood home as he took his last breath, my head on his chest.

I knew as soon as I saw the CT scan that he could not be saved.  The only thing I did not know was how long he had, and how much suffering would be involved.  I could not let on to my mother or brother, and tried to remain hopeful and positive to help them cope.

Less than a year later, I was in solo private practice right here at Yager Esthetics.  I was alone in so many ways.  No longer having the Attending staff of the hospital to advise me, no longer able to call my father for reassurance.  It was tremendously lonely and difficult.

Each year at this time, I am reminded of what I have lost. I am proud of what I have accomplished, and who I am.  I owe the majority of that to my father for the example he set, and the great qualities of his which I have inherited.

I will always miss you.