This August, after five weeks of bedrest and preterm labor, we had an addition to our beautiful family. Indeed, women are multifaceted and multitasking. Some of us are divers, painters, skiers, mothers, grandmothers, runners, presidents, officers, soldiers, speakers, gardeners, musicians, and on and on goes the list … but we all have this in common: We are all women dentists honoring the many faceted lives of each other.
It has been my privilege to serve for two-and-a-half years as your editor of the Chronicle. I have had the great joy of seeing the Chronicle go from a single publication that was produced four times a year to a wonderful part of Woman Dentist Journal that is now published 10 times a year.
I have had the great honor of serving with the founding editor of Woman Dentist Journal, Dr. Margaret Scarlett, and the continued honor and joy of serving with Woman Dentist Journal’s current editor, Dr. Lori Trost. I have been able to work with Ms. Vicki Cheeseman, associate editor, since Woman Dentist Journal came to be the AAWD’s official publication. It has been a fabulous experience and fun to work so closely with these three dynamic and incredible women.
I have served as a Trustee under several presidents, but I have been editor for AAWD Presidents Dr. Margaret Scarlett, Dr. Risé Lyman, and Dr. Jean Furuyama. Dr. Lori Trost continues to amaze me, how in her busy professional and editorial life she can find time to send me a pick-me-up gift and book while I was on bedrest, and she always finds time for words of encouragement and inspiration. I really admire her and use her as a measuring stick in my life. There are many women like that. I could not possibly mention them all. Most of them are members of AAWD. Dr. Mary Martin is one of these creatures with her sunny presence and caring ways. She is why I am in AAWD.
From left: Ceci, Aaron, and Jeff with Elise
In the beginning of my pregnancy, I received an anonymous package at my office with a prayerful card written in calligraphy and a gift for my as-yet-unborn child and my little four-year-old, Cecilia Maria Falkenstein. I was amazed and racked my brain as to who would do such a wonderful thing. The only clue I had was that she did not know me very well and attended the same mass as the one in which I sing in the choir. The note said that God had laid me on her heart and she would be praying for me throughout my pregnancy. Wow … what a gift! At the time, I had no idea what a gift that would be. As it turned out, the entire pregnancy was a little difficult, and there were many scares. I am of “advanced maternal age” according to the doctor (which I told her was rude and terrible … I thought AMA was “Against Medical Advice” … Well!) But that was not to blame. Many women my age and older have fine pregnancies and births; we just had problems. Throughout my nine months, I received cards, gifts, encouragement … and never a name … never a clue as to who the sender was. She just continued to give without being recognized. I was astonished. I have never been a giver of such random acts of kindness to this degree, and never a recipient like this. I was forced to accept without looking for some form of repayment or thanks. I was in a position of humble acceptance of love and prayer and kindness. What great blessings came from this.
Aside from this anonymous angel, my immediate family received assistance from family and friends. My husband Jeff’s back had just gone out and now we were both in bed. This pregnancy was filled with challenges and scares. But these friends brought us meals, cleaned our house, and helped to prepare a room for the new baby (including the enormous task of clearing out stuff, sorting through old baby clothes, and painting). The theme that ran through it all was “pay it forward.” None of these people wanted thanks or compensation. They each simply said, “Pay it forward.” As nervous as I had been - concerned that the house wouldn’t be ready in time for the arrival of our new baby - when it was time for the baby, the house was ready (relatively speaking, of course). This was due in great part to the help of many people, so many that I am still compiling the list for “thank you” cards. Through all of this, I have learned much about the love that is still out there in this world, and the impact that generosity can have on the lives of those receiving it. My special anonymous angel gave me such comfort, joy, and peace. She may never know what her acts of love and kindness did for me and my baby. This special person has become an inspiration for me. And so I charge everyone in this world to reach out and help those whom you feel are in need. Give freely of yourself, with no thought of anything in return. Pay it forward, do random acts of kindness, and let the power of that act begin to change the lives of others … and, in turn, change the world.
As I end my term as editor for the Chronicle and begin my term as AAWD secretary, I would like to again thank all those who assisted me, all those who inspired me, and all those who encouraged me along the way. Finally and especially, I would like to thank my loving and supportive family - my husband Jeff (at times “assistant editor” … he even helped me with this article!), my beautiful daughter Cecilia Maria (Ceci), my beautiful new baby girl Elise Claire, and my stepson Aaron Christopher. They keep me grounded and serve as reminders of what is most important in this life.
Thank you and God bless, Martha
