"A Thing of Beauty is a Joy Forever"

One of my favorite quotes expresses what I witnessed a few weeks ago in lovely Cincinnati, OH. Invited to visit a close friend's parents' house for the weekend with my friend and his wife, my wife and I were privileged to attend a 20th Anniversary party marking the opening of a Catholic medical group in that fair city. While we were surprised by the invitation (I had to borrow the neighbor's wingtips), we were blessed to find the event moving in ways beyond pleasant food and conversation.

I have known the Borts for four years now, and while I have come to admire the way they have raised six wonderful children and their incredible generosity, I had not been given a glimpse into Dr. Bort's professional life until that evening. What I saw was an inspiration. Dr. Bort and his "senior partner," whose name I regrettably cannot recall, began a medical practice in 1986 with only themselves and one assistant. They founded it on solid medical practices and the social and moral foundations of the Church; and now, twenty years later the fruits of their hard and righteous labors are plain for all to see. Their small practice has expanded to more than a dozen partners, a large number of nurses and physician's assistants, and a physical therapy center. They have given their patients ethical, wholesome advice for all that time, and, despite their success, remembered to give the main thanks to the Lord and to their patients for trusting them for all these years. They have kept foremost their duty to the Lord and their duty to their patients, and have managed to keep the bottom line ok too. Quite a feat in today's world, and as a law student who is looking to start his own practice in a few years, I have been strengthened and emboldened by the vision they presented.

For it is a vision, and their success goes beyond numbers. There was something more to the celebration than a simple corporate event. There were comrades, sharing old memories and struggles, you might find that anywhere. Beyond all that though, there was something...something impressive, intangible. Something that lingered just beyond the scent of fresh flowers, that hid on the fringe of candlelight, filling the spaces between "Hello" and "How are you," bridging the gap from words expressed to ideas shared. An easy laugh, a twinkling eye, and the comfortable silence shared by those who have toiled long together in a just cause. There was Love in that room, dancing amidst the fork and spoon, and I was blest to behold Him.

The feast that night was not that one promised at the wedding feast of the Lamb, but perhaps it was an appetizer. Such are the rewards for those who bring heaven, the joy that lasts forever, with them no matter where they go.