Today as I read the news I was reminded that 45 years ago today myself and almost everyone I knew were doing the same thing – we were watching the Apollo 11 as it performed its journey to the moon.  I watched it on CBS so my memories are filled with the wonderfully unique voice of Walter Cronkite.  Apollo 11 stands out to me as one of the human events that proves to us that if we apply ourselves we can accomplish any task.

So often when we fail our failure is not due the impossibility of the task it is due to doubt or failure to remain committed until the goal is reached.  Discouragement saps our energy and convinces us that we should move onto something else, preferably something we can accomplish more easily.  As I reflect on history some of the most wonderful and long lasting events hold their power because of high level of commitment it took for them to become reality.

This topic also has a direct implication for health care because many of the devices we use in treatment today were first developed for the space program.  Had they not been developed for that program, who knows when or if they ever would have been developed so we could use them to provide healing and comfort to people when they are ill.  Today is the anniversary of a significant day in history and for that I am thankful!