Truth Telling: Thomas' Promises

I was born 55 years ago, 1953 in Columbus, Ohio. Yes, today is my birthday. I know far too many people I grew up with who died many years ago.

Yesterday my staff surprised me with a Birthday party. Complete with cake, ice cream and YouTube blasting Stevie Wonder's rendition of "Happy Birthday" crafted for Dr. King. This was followed by the Beetles version of the traditional birthday song.

I was indeed surprised, and reluctantly told them I was 53. Then my wife came to join us and I told them was 54 (technically correct since it was Feb. 8th). Finally, I publically acknowledged that I was indeed 55.

What is the problem with AGE ... considering the alternative. Today I received phone calls from my sisters and they begin the phone call with the Stevie Wonder version of Happy Birthday. I shared the story above and learned that the sensitivity with AGE can be traced back to my grandmother, Mable Cradle. My sisters reminded me that not of us really know the ages of our uncles, aunts and even my mother and father spoke little of their actual age ... especially my mother. In fact, my aunt "B" considered it the height of "insult" to even ask about her age.

Now, what is that all about! So, talking with my sister LaDonna I agreed to BREAK THE SILENCE ON AGE... and tell the truth.

So, why stop there. This blog "Thomas' Promises" is dedicated to the CMH staff who have accepted the challenge of losing weight in response to the University of Pittsburgh's Great Race. This theme is based on the GREATEST LOOSER TV show and more than 1,300 UPITT staff have signed up.

The Thomas' Promises Team, led by Mario Browne, is being tracked by the University Times newspaper along with a few other teams. The first story can be found at the link below.

http://mac10.umc.pitt.edu/u/FMPro?-db=ustory&-lay=a&-format=d.html&storyid=7936&-Find


I am encouraging the Thomas' Promises Team to contribute to this Blog as we all come to grips with the challenges and opportunities we face to promote health and prevent disease in our personal lives and in our family.

Dr. T