To my administrative staff, front desk staff, technicians, managers, colleagues, and trainees: thank you. You are the reason we can offer not just medical care, but genuine care. Healthy eyes lead to a brighter, clearer future—but it’s our teamwork that makes that future possible.

When Stamps Delivered Magic: From a Hill Station Post Office to a Children’s Book

Cousins in the kitchen, kids at the drawing table, football on TV, and a feast from vegan to turkey with autumn colors and gratitude cards under each plate. A Maryland Thanksgiving I’ll be grateful for - for a long time.

I am deeply grateful to everyone who showed up, brought a friend, posted a flyer, or simply held Do Not Follow in their hands and saw a piece of their own journey in Seema’s highways home.

Between door-step mummies and farmhouse constellations, this season felt like a warm quilt stitched with small rituals. The front door taught us that a bit of whimsy can welcome the whole street. The minion and M&M pumpkins reminded us that ordinary shapes can hold extraordinary personalities. A pot of eyeball pasta proved that the best party trick is laughter shared around a table. And Crewe showed us how wonder multiplies when you pair science with a dark sky and good friends.

Disney World isn’t just about theme parks. It’s a masterclass in delight — a place where creativity meets hospitality to craft joy. And in that moment, with laughter echoing down Main Street and fireworks bursting overhead, you realize why it’s called the happiest place on Earth. 

Creativity, whether in words or in paint, is not about certainty. It is about being between lantern light and thunderclouds, knowing that both are necessary. The lantern gives me vision; the storm lets me grow. In a long-spanning career as a surgeon, teacher, and now as an author, I’ve found that balance is rarely about avoiding storms—it is about grounding ourselves in the values and practices that help us endure.

Standing at the podium where I was once a student, I felt a full-circle moment—proof that vitality is not something we achieve once, but something we nurture constantly. Just as our bodies maintain balance through change, so do our lives in medicine. And just like Scrabble, the right combination of letters—or in this case, habits, values, and relationships—allows us to create words, meanings, and legacies larger than ourselves.

Feeling deeply grateful to be named Instructor of the Year. My trainees bring energy, perspective, and creativity that inspire me daily. They remind me of why I chose medicine in the first place—not as a fixed body of knowledge but as a lifelong practice of learning, service, and humility.

In many ways, my parents’ photographs have shaped my writing. They remind me that stories live at the intersection of image and memory, of what’s visible and what’s retold. And just like in the clinic, where both data and lived experience matter, the photographs we keep—whether in albums or in words—help us understand who we are, and where we belong.

From kids’ birthday afternoons with chafing dishes and laughter to adult evenings of themed food, wine, and warm conversations—our home gatherings are about safe spaces, joy, and memories that linger long after the last guest leaves.

I am a Man U wife. I plan weekend brunches around fixtures, keep a stash of tea for extra time, and have learned the delicate art of post-loss triage. More importantly, I’ve come to admire the faith it takes to love a club across eras—the belief that form is temporary, class is permanent, and that somewhere, deep into stoppage time, there’s always a chance for one more goal. In our marriage and in our football, hope is the tactic. And on most days, that’s enough to keep us singing.

If you ever want to know what inspires a writer, look at their bookshelf. My own proverbial shelves are a riot of color, language, and history—hundreds of books collected over the years, each one a branch in the sprawling banyan tree of my imagination. I couldn’t possibly list all my favorite authors, but there’s a special place in my heart for those with Asian roots, whose stories have shaped the way I see the world and the way I write.

Houseplants make wonderful gifts and bring a calming touch of green to any space. I’ve learned a lot from my plant care mistakes—double pots, the right sunlight, and a little patience go a long way. The health benefits and soothing effect on the eyes make this totally worth it…Bring nature indoors!

The ancient Egyptian “Weighing of the Heart” ritual has always fascinated me—your heart on one side of the scale, the feather of Ma’at on the other, and the gods watching to see if you’re worthy. In many ways, putting your work out into the world—whether it’s a book, a podcast, or any creative project—feels just as vulnerable. You pour your heart in, not knowing if it will soar or sink, if you’ll be celebrated or forgotten. The fear of the unknown is real, but so is the courage it takes to try. Here’s to everyone who dares to step up to the scales, hoping their heart is light enough to fly.

At its heart, Lego is about more than just construction—it’s about connection. It’s the laughter shared over a toppled tower, the pride in a finished model, and the memories built one brick at a time. In a world that often feels fast-paced and digital, Lego offers a chance to slow down, create, and play—together. Every masterpiece starts with a single brick, and the only limit is your imagination.

Sometimes, you just have to make a decision and trust that the rewards will follow. Looking back, I’m grateful I didn’t let the obstacles stop me when flight cancellations threatened to derail my plans to visit my Alma Mater at University at Buffalo. The weekend was a beautiful blend of celebration, connection, and reflection—a reminder that the journey is just as important as the destination, and that the fruits of our choices often come in the form of special moments shared with those we love.

Every weekday morning, I slip into the driver’s seat and close the door, feeling the gentle hush that comes with the start of my commute. It’s a short drive, but in the midst of a life that’s always in motion—balancing a demanding medical career, two lively children, and the endless cycle of home routines—these minutes in the car have become a cherished pocket of time, just for me.

Each card is a small celebration of our family’s creativity and a reminder that the most meaningful gifts are often the ones made by hand, with love—and a little bit of glitter.

Lancaster, with its rolling fields and welcoming spirit, became the perfect backdrop for a weekend that was all about family, shared stories, and simple joys.