A reflection on gratitude, service and what really matters
Every so often, life hands you an experience that softens something inside you and sharpens something else. That’s what happened to me this November when I traveled to Havana, Cuba, with Flying Doctors of America on a humanitarian medical mission.
What I saw there changed the way I’m stepping into 2026 – not with resolutions, but with perspective.
For three days, our team of volunteer clinicians treated more than 500 people in the Beth Shalom Jewish community, which has extremely limited access to care and medicine.
Many were suffering from Chikungunya, a mosquito-borne virus that causes intense joint pain and weeks of disability. Others came with chronic back pain, headaches, mobility issues – conditions we treat regularly here at home.
I brought my portable chiropractic table from Orinda and adjusted from morning until late afternoon, side-by-side with two dentists, two medical doctors, several nurse practitioners and two eye doctors who gave out more than 300 pairs of glasses. One of our translators – a physician – earns the equivalent of $30 a month. It stopped me in my tracks.
But what moved me wasn’t the poverty. It was the gratitude.
A man who’d lived with back and leg pain for 20 years, stood up pain-free. A 36-year-old autistic man who hadn’t spoken a word all day, gently put his arm around me during a photo – his silent “thank you.” An elderly gentleman whispered “Gracias” with tears in his eyes. The people blessed us in return with big smiles, warm heart-felt hugs, and a depth of love in their eyes that said more than words ever could.
Their resilience changed me.
And then – I came home. Back to Orinda. Back to tree-lined lighted streets, well-loved schools, grocery stores filled with choices, safe neighborhoods and a community that constantly lifts one another up.
Back to neighbors offering strollers, puzzles, toys, baby clothes, leftovers and holiday decorations on Buy Nothing – not because they have nothing, but because they have more than enough.
It made me realize that the true privilege of living here isn’t our abundance. It’s our capacity to give.
As Board members, we are always looking for ways to strengthen community life – whether it’s the 4th of July Parade, Seniors Around Town, Lamorinda Idol, the Classic Car show, or the volunteers who show up quietly behind the scenes to make Orinda the warm, connected place it is.
What Cuba reminded me of is this:
You don’t have to travel across the world to change a life. Sometimes the person who needs you lives right down the street. Serving can be as simple as helping with an event, joining a committee, contributing your skills, or offering time where it’s needed.
Every act matters. Every heart matters. Every pair of hands makes a difference.
My hope for all of us in 2026 is simple:
May we notice the everyday blessings around us.
May we share our time, our talents and our kindness.
May we stay connected – not just by geography, but by generosity.
And may we never forget how fortunate we are to call Orinda home.