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“НАШЕ ЖИТТЯ”, ГРУДЕНЬ 2016 WWW.UNWLA.ORG 33 Condolences It is with great affection for Zoriana Haftkowycz, who serves as a valued member of the UNWLA Executive Committee, that we extend our sincere condolences to her on the loss of her beloved husband, Mykola Darmochwal. Mykola was an ardent supporter of his wife’s work for the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, always willing to contribute his technical expertise when needed. From 2011 to 2013 he served as president of the Board of Directors of the Ukrainian Museum in NYC. May his memory be eternal. Reach Out and Touch Someone by IHOR MAGUN, MD, FACP It's amazing to me that a small smart phone in my hand provides so much—talking, texting, finding answers to all questions—all at the touch of a screen. But while the digital world empowers us in so many ways, I find it also falls short in many ways. Technology provides an enormous amount of accessible information, but it definitely lacks the human touch, especially during those times when you just need to hear a person’s voice or feel a per- son’s touch, or to read a good, old fashioned hand written thank you note you can hold in your hand. We all have those “bad hair days” that make us wonder “why bother?” whether this in- volves working in a stressful career, dealing with all the complicated issues of life, or just having one of those days when you question yourself and won- der why you still do whatever it is you are doing that brings on stress or other discomforts. One of the things that helps me get through these episodes is other human beings who reach out with some- thing much better than a smart phone. Being human isn’t always easy. We all need a reminder from others now and again that we have made a difference in their lives. It is just hu- man nature to be uplifted by a personal, human touch. Think back to those days before smart phones, days when you received personal notes in- stead of a text message. Somehow these meant much more; some were worth keeping for years and even for many decades. As a physician, I have received (and continue to receive) handwritten thank you notes from patients and their families. I have collected these throughout my career, keep- ing them in a manila envelope. I read them from time to time when I need a boost of humanity, es- pecially during days that are difficult and taxing. These handwritten letters help me see the good in people, the kindness they show. Many times they literally bring tears to my eyes. This is not to sug- gest that everyone should collect every card or let- ter that arrives in the mail; it does suggest, how- ever, that you hang on to those that are meaningful and touching and therefore worth keeping. As I write this, we are approaching the Christmas holidays, a season of giving. It brings to mind a quote from Anthony D'Angelo: "The most important things in life aren't things." This quote resonates with me because there are so many things we have to be thankful for in our lives: fam- ilies, friends, and neighbors who just make life so much better and pleasant either while we enjoy the good times and or because they are supportive in difficult times. This goodness merits a heartfelt Thank You, because a kind deed, a smile shared, a hand to lift a soul are all precious gifts. And when we make an effort to become more human in com- municating with others, we also enrich ourselves and give ourselves the gift of physical and mental well-being. It is a great time to be part of the evolving technology revolution of communication, but it is nevertheless prudent to cut through all the imper- sonal messages and give and receive something far more meaningful: real, human, personal commu- nication. This does not mean we should not em- brace technology; it simply means bypassing the short, impersonal phrases and actually take the time to write, call, and communicate in person by temporarily putting aside that wonderful device and enjoying what life and Christmas is all about. One of the things you will discover while doing this is that human nature and sincere caring has not changed in today's tech-driven world. It never will. I cannot personally write to each of you, but I hope that all of you feel and savor the mean- ing of Christmas, shared with loved ones and friends. I also hope the good wishes you scribble in a card or offer in person get stored in someone's manila envelope or memory, to be read, remem- bered, and cherished for all time.
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