DR . STEVE MORICONI hoNorED wiTh PDA PubLic sErvicE AwArD ( continued )
Honored because my peers have decided that what I have done in public service is worthy of such recognition . I would be remiss by omitting the fact that the work I have done has not been in isolation . Many , including friends , colleagues ( and I want to acknowledge Dr Angel Stout who has accompanied me on 3 of the 4 trips I have made to Haiti ), dental companies , Abington Hospital , and most especially , my wife Kristina and our children , have been supportive and understanding of what we have accomplished . I will not detail the work we are doing , particularly in Haiti , as this information can be found on our website , but since you have allowed me this opportunity to speak , I would like to share a few general thoughts in the spirit of “ Tikkun Olam .”
Tikkun Olam , as you know , is an ancient Judaic philosophy which affirms that one gains spiritual meaning in their life by serving the needs of the underserved and vulnerable in society .
I know many of you have done some personal and professional service work in your communities and in the larger world . Those of you who have done so know that the reward of seeing the smile , the look of gratitude , the fulfillment of the need , the acknowledgement of your help , is a much greater reward than any award that could be given .
If you have not , however , spent time doing service for others , then in my opinion you are missing an essential part of human life . Stepping outside of your comfort zone , and doing something for those less fortunate , is an incredibly enriching experience . You don ’ t have to run to Haiti ; you don ' t have to travel to a third world country somewhere far abroad . You don ’ t have to set up a nonprofit organization . Opportunities exist in your own neighborhoods , in your own communities , in your own professional organizations be they dental related or otherwise , to participate in public and community service . Let ’ s face it , we all have many commitments and responsibilities , but we are also very fortunate to be here , and very grateful to be able to practice our professions . It is , however , a principle of a good life , I believe , that we should give back to society and share some of the riches with which we have been blessed . The allusion I have
used in Men Anpil is that what you do may only seem like a drop in the bucket , but many drops will eventually overflow the bucket , creating a river , and finally an ocean of kindness and service to those most vulnerable .
I encourage all of you within the sound of my voice , and if you read this at some point in the future , to join me and all the many of you who have provided such service to those in need . It is a commitment and experience that will enrich your life , make you a better human being , and continue the thread of goodness that exists in all of us .
Finally , let me share with you a quote by a French author that sat on my wall for many years as a younger person , and which has guided and informed my life since .
“ I shall pass through this life but once . Any good , therefore , that I can do or any kindness I can show to any fellow creature , let me do it now . Let me not defer it or neglect it . For I shall never pass this way again .”
Thank you .
IN MEMORIAM
Dr . Roy A . Himelfarb Chambersburg Temple University ( 1973 ) Born : 1940 Died : 4 / 22 / 2013
Dr . John L . Kallaway Shamokin Temple University ( 1955 ) Born : 1926 Died : 5 / 2 / 2013
Dr . John C . Taylor Irwin University of Pittsburgh ( 1949 ) Born : 1914 Died : 1 / 31 / 2013
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