Commentary

January 3rd, 2008

by lyle e davis

We meet a lot of people in the news gathering and reporting business. Good ones, bad ones, great ones. Fortunately, we meet far more good ones and great ones than the other type.

Often, those we meet become friends.

Such is the case with a brilliant dentist I call, affectionately, “Dr. Painless.”

Herb Lowe is one of those special dentists who, if you twitch your nose, worries that he may have caused you some discomfort. He goes out of his way to make certain you are comfortable and well cared for while in his dental clinic.
His sense of humor and warmth carries over to his office staff, Cathy and Linn. When you visit his office it’s like visiting family.

A good family.

I believe it was in Kiwanis where I first met Herb. I also met his handsome son, Evan. At that time Evan was about 3’ tall . . . a cute little kid who, although we had only just met at a Kiwanis Christmas party, invited me to come over to his house to play. I never did but kept in touch with Evan over the years. He has now graduated from high school and is on his way to becoming an outstanding young man, just like dear old dad.

Dr. Herb Lowe
aka “Dr. Painless”

My youngest son, Ken, had a dread fear of dentists, thanks to some nameless dentist who frightened him with harsh treatment when he was only two or three.

Herb Lowe worked with Kenny, gained his trust, and has treated his dental problems for the past ten years or more. Ken wouldn’t consider seeing any dentist other than Herb.

For a time, when my insurance coverage changed and my dental insurance no longer covered me at Herb’s office, I explored several other dental clinics in Escondido. The several I visited treated me like a number, was very regimented, corporate type dental care.

Not for me.
I came back to Herb and I pay my own way. I’d rather pay Herb and know I’m getting top care from a close friend, rather than have an insurance company pay for me to see some robot-like dentist.

A good doctor, a good lawyer, a good accountant, a good dentist. Seems to me that’s a pretty good mix for a person to have. Good friends, good family, and good health. Mix ‘em all together and seems to me you’ve got a pretty good recipe for an excellent place in life.

And that’s how I start out this New Year. Being grateful for the people in my life, those who make life worth living . . . people like Dr. Herb Lowe of Escondido, brilliant dentist, good friend, and “Doctor Painless.”

Happy New Year to all!