Good Morning and Merry Christmas! 

Today, I want to briefly wish you a very good holiday. Next week, I will offer some reflections on this crazy last year. But today – I extend a heartfelt thanks for all you have done and are doing along with very best wishes for a meaningful holiday season.

Christmas is a season of giving. This year, you have given your very best. More than I could have imagined. We have reached deep into physical and emotional reserves of energy, commitment and dedication and kept pushing towards previously unrecognized limits. 

This is a season of caring. You have shown an unwavering compassionate spirit for our patients, our students, our state and each other in countless efforts – both large and small. 

This is a season of love. Through your perseverance, passion, kindness, touch and continued work you have demonstrated a love for each other and for your fellow man that shines a light on the very best of humanity.  

This is a season of celebration. While there is much about this past year we are not celebrating, I hope every one of you can pause to find something personal and special to celebrate. Perhaps unexpected time with family. The opening of amazing new pediatric space. The arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine. 

I celebrate and am so very thankful for the support we have received from the community. Every donation of PPE, masks, meals, snacks, supplies has touched my heart and inspired me to do better. The magnitude of community support and appreciation extended to UMMC nearly takes my breath away. 

I express a deep gratitude to those working during the holidays. Injury and illness know no special days. Your dedication and care during these times is especially meaningful. 

While our celebrations and festivities this year are different than usual, I hope each of you will be able to have a few days of rest and restoration. I see the need for this on your faces and hear it in your voices. Rest. Recharge. Reflect. Begin to heal. Acknowledge that this year has taken a toll. The fight isn’t over yet – we will be stronger next year if we can pause for a moment now.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! If Christmas is not the tradition you celebrate, I hope you enjoy time with those you love. Peace to all. Be kind. Extend grace to each other. We are all in this together as we work toward A Healthier Mississippi and move forward into a New Year. #UMMCStrong