A reminder that one person truly can make a difference

Do you ever stop and reflect on how one decision has changed your path forever? Thanksgiving always puts me in a reflective mode, but this year it means much more. Let me explain:

Almost 20 years ago, my husband David and I decided to move our family back home to West Palm Beach, Fla. I had no job opportunity — just a gut feeling that it was the right thing to do. I sent out letters to every doctor within 20 miles of where we wanted to live, asking whether anyone was selling their practice or looking for a partner, and I started going on interviews. Amazingly enough, we ultimately purchased the practice of Spencer Meckstroth, O.D., the very practice where my family had been patients for the previous 20 years.

The journey from that day, when we purchased the practice in 2002, has been amazing — not always fun times, yet all times of learning that included many moments of joy.

DETERMINED TO CONVINCE ME

Dr. Meckstroth knew before I did that his practice was the right one for me, and I will be forever grateful that he wouldn’t let me say no to the opportunity.

On Oct. 18, of this year, Dr. Meckstroth passed away at the age of 92. He was recently recognized by the American Optometric Association for 60 years of membership and even from his bed, he held up the glass engraved award proudly for photos.

A LIFETIME OF DEDICATION

Dr. Meckstroth worked six days a week until he retired at age 72. He was often seen in Tallahassee supporting Florida optometry at the state capital. He gave to our PAC regularly.

An example to all of us in Palm Beach County, both patients and fellow optometrists, Dr. Meckstroth also was known for his dedication to patients around the world. He was blessed to go on 80 medical mission trips in his lifetime (30 of those after he retired!). Each day after he finished seeing patients, he would go to his garage and prepare all the glasses he collected in our county.

Dr. Meckstroth was a tremendous support to me. In fact, each time I saw him, he expected an update on what I was doing and what was going on in optometry. Amazed by how far the profession progressed in his lifetime, he always pushed me to do more.

AT THE HEART OF THE PRACTICE

When I look back at how one decision changed the course of my life, I know now that it wasn’t only the practice and my passion for optometry that created change, but the man who was the heart of that practice.

Dr. Meckstroth taught me that one person truly can make a difference, and most often that happens through the people you help along the way. OM

Email: april.jasper@pentavisionmedia.com

Twitter: @DrAprilJasper

Facebook: @OptometricManagement