Experiences Over Material Things

Darrell’s Family’s Household Rule

Happy November! Every day, I think about the things I am thankful for. This month, as we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I’ve been reflecting on it even more.

I’ve written in a previous newsletter about how we manage our home and how thankful I am for the way my wife diligently organizes it. Our whole family works together when it comes to keeping the clutter down. We have a house rule: If we do not use something for a year, we donate or throw it out!

We’ve recently added an additional house rule to keep it tidy. If we do decide to buy something, we throw away or donate something already in our home. This has become such a powerful way to not only minimize messiness, but also to limit how much we purchase and bring home. The rule pushes you to question whether this new item is truly necessary and if it’s worth giving away something we already have.

I’m not saying don’t have material items — I believe everyone should do the best they can and create a good life for themselves and their family. I’m honored I can live comfortably, put food on the table, and provide for my wife and daughters. I enjoy buying them things and seeing their faces light up when they see them. But we always teach our daughters that there is more to life than money and materialism. I want to set a good example and aim to be a great role model for my girls by practicing these values daily.

I hope this is a tradition that can follow them when they have their own families and live on their own. The last thing anyone wants is for their possessions to be the only things they cherish. What they will remember most are the lessons we taught them because, at the end of the day, it’s the memories and experiences we created with them that really matter.

This past month, I received news that three of my doctors will be retiring in the near future. I want to personally recognize their dedication and commitment to our dental lab for so many years: Dr. Caroline Peterson, whom we are so fortunate to have recently met in 2022; Dr. Naomi Hiroshige, who has worked with us for over 10 years since 2012; and Dr. Ronald Stark, who has been working with us for over 30 years — before 1992, the year I first started working as an employee here at Berkeley Dental Laboratory, doing the model work and daily pickup and deliveries.

As you enter the next phase of your career, please know that I am always here to support you in any way I can. Thank you again, and I wish all of you the best in your retirement!

I am so thankful for the opportunity we had to work for the many years of our partnership together. All the great memories we created with you and your team through the years are what I will always remember.

This Thanksgiving, cherish the time you spend with family and those who are important in your life and focus on the memories you shared together — those experiences are irreplaceable!