My family and friends
Sitting on the beach soaking in the sounds, smells and beauty of the ocean
Looking up at the stars and thinking about the vastness and beauty of the universe
A beautiful sunrise or sunset
Helping people
A successful rescue
The smile and laughter of children having fun
The happiness of others

A bottle of Coke: One of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had in my life occurred a few years ago during one of my trips to Ecuador. We had traveled to the far north almost into Columbia to a very remote town in the Mountains called TumbaTu (spelling is close) to provide some basic health care. These people are amongst the poorest of the poor. Most of the patients really did not have much wrong with them, mainly desiring to meet these foreign health care providers who traveled to their remote town. One of my patients was an elderly lady, whose primary issues were just general problems connected to that of old age, combined with poor nutrition and arthritis. I gave her some vitamins, Tylenol and likely more important a listening ear for a while. She left and I went on to see other patients not really giving her another thought. This area of Ecuador is very hot, arid and desert like, so it is easy to become thirsty. About 30 minutes later, knowing we might be thirsty the older lady returned to the clinic with a bottle of Coke for the group. We protested at first, knowing that single bottle of Coke was likely an entire day’s salary for her, but then graciously accepted her gift, knowing the great sacrifice she made. Although I sort of always knew what is important in life, at that very moment I witnessed; it is not things that makes one happy, but the love, sacrifice and care we show each other illustrated in that simple gift of a bottle of Coke.

Pete