LFG (5/2/2025)

So there was a time when writing a commentary every week and meeting the deadline just like handing in an English assignment was almost second nature. Colleagues, team members, and even Chamber of Commerce peeps scratched their heads wondering why I was so excited about writing the likes of a high school book report every week. An easy answer: I loved the experience.

Just to think I had the power to create something out of nothing and generate a shared idea or experience that someone else might take the time to read, made my day. And maybe you would’ve thought my lights were on but only my dog Spot was home, but looking back, I know I was smiling (like now) while doing the two-finger tango on my defenseless keyboard.

And with tomorrow, a day commemorating yet another Von Bulow trip around the sun, I’m reflecting on why, in the last four months, I’ve produced only two published efforts? Am I overthinking or overreading, or both? I love reading crime novels, but I might be overdoing it. When frustrated with stuff I can’t control, I’ve historically escaped into novels. In my dreams, I’m a trash talking fictional private investigator (PI) kickin’ butt and taking names…and solving global crimes, like tariffs and my shrinking retirement investments.

But all things being equal, I’d rather be a scratch golfer.

Yeah, tomorrow I’ll be old enough to be a sitting president. I’ll also be young enough to not believe in golf carts. And in another 24 hours, I’ll be putting in 30-40 minutes of creative writing, just like old times, as I will for the following 73 days.

I contribute a selected quote (Mark Twain, George Carlin, Maya Angelou, and Albert Einstein are among my fave sources) and a video commentary Monday through Friday to almost 600 dental practices on the American Academy of Clear Aligner (AACA) Morning Huddle WhatsApp chat. Distinctive AACA core values include Family, Love and Humor. I’ve never belonged to a professional organization like the AACA.

A revered AACA brother passed away much too soon on April 8th, and about a week ago, around 300 of us took advantage of an offer to overcome fear, laziness, being overwhelmed, or just plain lack of energy to create or recreate something positive and special in Amir’s honor.

Amir’s very early morning daily battle cry coming straight outta the gym was LFG! And for 75 days and hopefully beyond, that’s the least we can do honoring a one of one. Amir was a friend on first eye contact; he once made friends with two of my patients while sharing a ride with the couple on a Las Vegas elevator.

Amir’s first love and concern was for his beautiful family and being the best husband and father possible. A major commitment was building his practice and serving everyone who crossed his path. Amir was always learning; he’d share what he’d “learnt” with us on a weekly basis; he’d created an amazing dental practice. Amir was a giver.

Amir would’ve done 75 pushups, sit-ups, and pullups for any one of us and then asked how we were doing and how he could help.

So I know seeing an old guy smiling with a tear in his eye while assaulting an apparently innocent keyboard might lead one to a sympathetic concern. I can assure you, it’s okay.

LFG is an awesome way to approach every new day. And even now, Amir is still giving…and helping make friends and colleagues better versions of themselves; I can personally testify to that.

We’ll miss Amir forever but never forget him.

RIP Amir