I had a very special, once in a career, moment this week. I had the privilege of standing on a stage and accepting a significant national award in my field. It’s an honor that recognizes the work of a lot of years and the privilege of having been able to create and institute change, all focused on improving the lives of older adults.

It was, as you can imagine, an emotional moment for me, filled with gratitude on so many levels. I have the joy of working with talented and dedicated people, I have the benefit of peers who inspire me, I have a husband whose love and support is the foundation for all that I do and all that I am.

I looked out at a room filled with faces I know, with people whose commitment to elder care is enduring and unshakeable. This is not easy work and these are not easy times. Yet, all of these individuals from across North America and beyond, are united for one reason—that each of them believes our elders deserve the finest in care and support.

And I found myself, when I spoke, not only expressing my profound gratitude but also feeling a need to share my hopes for all of us. I had a sense that I wanted to place my hands on each person’s head and give them a benediction, a blessing for the work that they do and the people that they are. I wanted to bless them with the strength to continue to fight for our elders, with the vision to embrace the road ahead, with the heart and the energy to stay the course, and the focus to remember always why it matters.

I often quote Maya Angelou’s words, “Do the best you can with what you know. And when you know better, do better.” I am humbled and honored by this recognition and I am well aware that there is more to know, more that we can “do better,” more that we can improve and enhance as we lead with our full hearts.