Dear LBE,

Soooo!  It's been 30 years in dentistry. What a milestone in you life.  I am only sorry I wasn't here to celebrate with you so this will have to do.  I have so many thoughts so this may be long. Ha Ha

My first memory of your first years in practice are from the office on 9th Ave.  From the first day I met you my first impression was of a person who cared so much for his patients.  And that stands today 30 years later.  I have never met anyone who cares as much as you do for his patients and people.  It doesn't matter who it is whether it is your patient, staff, friend, family, you heart shows through.  What a wonderful characteristic to have.

The next memory I have is your drive to succeed and to be the best you can be.  I am always in awe of your visions.  Well you can say you have definitely succeeded in your field.  You are the best!!!!  Always willing to learn and put into your practice new techniques for the improvement of Perio.

Clinical abilities:  I know I don't have anyone to compare to but I am sure there is none better out there.  Watching you in surgery and the detail you focus on makes for excellent results and happy patients.

Leadership and being the "boss":  I am sure this has been the hardest part of practicing dentistry.  So many different personalities to deal with.  Yikes!!!  You stay calm and treat each staff with respect and always open to hearing new ideas and listening to each person.  You strive to be fair to everyone.

Teacher:  I can speak from a personal stand point, I have no doubt without your teaching and guidance I would not be the hygienist I am today.  From the bottom of my heart I thank you for taking the time to teach and educate me.  I love Perio and it is my calling.  I am so thankful to have found the person I was meant to work with in my career.  Not many people can say that and I can.

Family Man:  You have the most awesome family.  You are such a great Dad, giving of your time from coaching

baseball, soccer, watching sporting events.  Sometimes I didn't know how you did it all.  From Marny, your children, parents, Dru, Trey, "Christie Family" I love them all!!  You have been so great to Rick and I with Jordan.  You have been so supportive of me to do both.  What an awesome lesson to show Jordan.  A Mom can work and have a career and still have a family of her own.  There is a balance out there for her to see.

So here you are 30 years later with a career that has been full of success, set back, hard work, fun, laughter, tears!!

Lindsay B Eastman you are a blessed man!!!

With love and friendship,

Chris Ponto R.D.H.