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     Table of Contents 
      Response to Dr. Holly's Retirement Announcement 
    This is a partial table of contents to the responses to my
      retirement.  In that the circumstances of my leaving SETMA were not
      by plan or by choice, Carolyn and I have struggled with the abrupt change
      in our future.  It has been particularly difficult for her, which
      causes me pain. 
    Nevertheless, it is my hope that the organization which will have the
      name of "SETMA," but which will be something very different, will prosper
      for the sake of hundreds of people about whom I deeply care. 
    As Carolyn and I grieve and work through depression brought on by these
      events, we have had to depend upon our assessments and that of those who
      have expressed their judgement in writing.  Those assessments make up
      this document. 
    One comment sent to me stated, "I can think of no one who has had more of
      an impact on Southeast Texas medicine than you. You have touched many
      lives, directly and indirectly...and that includes a former young medical
      student in 1978.  When God welcomes you to his permanent kingdom, he
      will most surely say, "Well done, my son, well done indeed'. I can only
      echo that Larry.  Congratulations my dear friend!"  (Author not
      named, permission not sought) 
    The following 183 comments about my resignation have been comforting to
      us, and thus I have organized them so that when doubts creep into our
      thoughts, we can remember that there are those who do remember, who do
  care and who do appreciate our lives. 
    The following are the page numbers and comment numbers of significant
      parts of this document.  There are several comments accented in "red"
      which are particularly important in our judgment. 
    
    
      
        
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             Announcement of Retirement 
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             Karli Bourque 
           | 
         
        
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             Elizabeth Pannill, daughter of School of Medicine
                Dean, my mentor 
           | 
         
        
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             Two NextGen Executives -- SETMA's EMR vendor 
           | 
         
        
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             College Station Healthcare Executive 
           | 
         
        
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             Visitor from China 
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             Carlos Jaen, Holly Distinguished Chair
                Patient-Centered Medical Home 
           | 
         
        
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             Visitor from Australia 
           | 
         
        
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             Founding Professor from UT Health School of
                Medicine 
           | 
         
        
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             President, UT Health San Antonio 
           | 
         
        
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             Beaumont City Councilman 
           | 
         
        
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             Leader of the Chinse Delegation 
           | 
         
        
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             Leigh Parker and Atticus 
           | 
         
        
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             Scott Anthony 
           | 
         
        
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             Ted Carpenter 
           | 
         
        
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             Fifty Years of Memories 
           | 
         
        
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             My Valedictory Address and the Announcement of my
                Retirement  
           | 
         
        
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             Debbie Morrell  
           | 
         
        
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             Ross Shauberger 
           | 
         
        
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             Retirement Response Mark Toups 
           | 
         
        
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             Valedictory - James L. Holly, MD 
           | 
         
        
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             A difficult heart wrenching task - James L. Holly,
                MD 
           | 
         
        
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             Theresa Bailey 
           | 
         
        
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             Marvin Forland, MD 
           | 
         
        
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             DR. CHRIS MAGGIO, President, Northwestern State
                University 
           | 
         
        
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             A worthy reflection at the end of my career by Joe
                Bill Holland, MD 
           | 
         
        
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             Doug & Judy Tomplait 
           | 
         
        
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             Dana Melancon 
           | 
         
        
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             Reverend John Davis 
           | 
         
        
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             John Vardiman 
           | 
         
        
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             Final Draft of Dr. Holly's Address on November 29,
                2018 at Retirement Dinner 
           | 
         
        
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             Last Patient Mr. Hill 
           | 
         
		
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             Mrs. Kris Doyle’s watercolors lord and our gift 
           | 
         
		
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             Rebecca Andrews Dr Holly’s Nurse’s Address 
           | 
         
		
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             Retirement Dinner Master of Ceremonies 
           | 
         
		
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             John Vardiman 
           | 
         
		
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             Mrs Faisal Anwar (wife of Syed Anwar, MD, SETMA Partner) 
           | 
         
		 
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             The Citadel and Dr Henrich’s Address at Retirement Dinner 
           | 
         
		 
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             Chris Ingram, Cardiologist, Natchitoches, Louisiana 
           | 
         
		  
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             Richard Smith 
           | 
         
		
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             Rubén Rangel 
           | 
         
		
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             Joe Bill Holland, MD 
           | 
         
		
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             Dr. Holly’s Final Note to SETMA Staff 
           | 
         
		
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             Addendum to Final Note 
           | 
         
		
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             Responses to Dr. Holly's Final Note to SETMA Staff December 21, 2018 
           | 
         
		
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             Marcella Wheeler 
           | 
         
		
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             Scott Anthony  
           | 
         
		
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             Mr Holland’s Opus - What is the music if your life? 
           | 
         
		  
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             Presentation copy of Dr Bill Henrich’s Address at the Dr and Mrs James L.
Holly Retirement Dinner, November 29, 2018 
           | 
         
		
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             Serwat  Perwaiz, July 22, 2019 
           | 
         
		
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             From Serwat Perwaiz to Mrs Holly 
           | 
         
		
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             From Serwat Perwaiz to Larry & Carolyn Holly 
           | 
         
		
          | 
             Carolyn Holly’s Response to Serwat 
           | 
         
      
     
     
     
    
    It is with sadness and regret that I announce my retirement from
      Southeast Texas Medical Associates, LLP and from the practice of medicine
      in Southeast Texas, effective December 31, 2018. 
    November 4, 2018, I turn 75 years-of-age.  When asked I have always
      assured others that I intend to work until I was eighty.  That was my
      intent, but circumstances prevent that from happening.  Over the past
      three years, SETMA has experienced economic pressures caused by Health and
      Human Services' (HHS) CMS's reduction over the past seven years of the
      reimbursement for Medicare Advantage by twenty-eight percent, aggravated
      by the Affordable Care Act tax on the funds paid to the HMO, which tax
      cost the IPA in which SETMA participates, $1,700,000 annually.   
    A principle of organizational life is that when change is made, the most
      constructive thing old leadership can do is to step aside and wish the new
      leaders the best.  This I do.  SETMA is well prepared to proceed
      into the future, true to its values and aware of the challenges which need
      to be faced. 
    I am very proud of SETMA.   I am proud of the decisions we made and
      how we have conducted our practice.  SETMA has done things which no
      one has ever done and the things we have done which others are now doing,
      we did before almost anyone.  We have also cared for the most
      vulnerable and needy people in our community.  I am proud of
      that.  The partners of SETMA even funded a Foundation which helps
      provide care for patients. 
    As I write these words my mind races across the past forty-three years.
        Mental images appear of thousands of individuals whom I have cared
      for, worked with, or known.  I wish I could begin naming them, some
      living, some long since gone, but all cherished in memory.  HIPPA and
      the inevitability of omitting important people makes it impossible to name
      names.
  
      These years have been rich and rewarding.  There are many things
      which I know I could or should have done better, but where I failed it was
      never for want of trying.  I am comforted and challenged by the words
      of President Theodore Roosevelt who said: 
    "It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the
      strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them
      better.  The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena,
      whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly;
      who errs, and comes short again and again, because there is no effort
      without error and shortcoming; but who does actually try to do the deeds;
      who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself
      in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high
      achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while
      daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid
      souls who know neither victory nor defeat."  Theodore Roosevelt,
      "Citizens in a Republic," the Sorbonne, Paris, France, April 23, 1910,
      quoted in The Man in the Arena, ed. John Allen Gable (Oyster Books, N.Y,
      Theodore Roosevelt Association, 1987), p. 54) 
    There is not a community in which I would rather have spent my career
      than in Beaumont, Texas and the Golden Triangle.  As a young man and
      wife with two young children, two dogs and a cat, my family arrived in
      Beaumont in 1975.  And, now forty-three years later, at the end of a
      long career, we do not think of "moving" to a retirement center but we
      look forward to spend all of our coming years doing what we have always
      done in a different venue but in Beaumont.  We look forward to the
      adventure of realizing who we are in a new arena.  And when our time
      is done, our resting place will be in Beaumont, Texas. 
    Due to the circumstances of my retirement, I will not have the option of
      practicing medicine in Southeast Texas, at least not for the next five
      years, but I can continue to perform my most important roles which are to
      practice my faith in Jesus Christ, to perform my vows to my wife of
      fifty-three years, Carolyn Ann Bellue Holly, to love my children and
      grandchildren and to reintroduce myself to the health and wellness
      center.  I do not fear for my well-being there, but I am anxious for
      the Center's staff's emotional stability when I appear. 
    As I try to put this announcement in context, I recall that in 2008,
      Carolyn and I were in England when we lost an extremely valuable
      object.  The manager of the Connaught asked, "Dr. Holly, you don't
      seem to be very upset about this?"  I responded, "Oh, I am
      disappointed but that object can be replaced, or it can be lived without;
      if I had lost my wife that would be something to be devastated over."
        
    And, so it is now, as I make this transition, it is disappointing to me
      and I suspect it will be to others that I am retiring, yet to be "fair and
      balanced," there may be some who sigh and think, "I'm glad that's
      over."  But, the reality is that what is fundamentally and ultimately
      important in my life is not changing.  As a result, while my heart is
      heavy, my face is smiling and my mind rushes about imagining the future. 
    The reality is also that the name SETMA will continue, the management
      will not change significantly, the care available will continue to improve
      and it will still be a very good place to work and to perform the act of
      "health caring" for others.  Change is always stressful, but if we
      take a deep breath and believe in who we are, "this too shall pass."
        
      The closest biblical reference to such an affirmation is II Corinthians
      4:17-18 which states:  "For our light affliction, which is but for a
      moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of
      glory;  While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the
      things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but
      the things which are not seen are eternal." 
    It is my hope and expectation that all of the staff and professionals in
      SETMA will remain and will be committed to the same values and standards
      which have been our credo for the past twenty-three years, all will find a
      new iteration of who and what they are in this great community and
      practice. 
    And so, I bid you adieu which in its origin meant "to God."  It is
      not good-bye as each of you will always be a part of our lives and
      hopefully we of yours.  We will be as close as our prayers, our
      memories and our hopes and dreams.  God bless each one of you. 
    James L. Holly, M.D. 
      CEO, SETMA 
    Adjunct Professor 
      Department of Family and Community Medicine 
      UT Health San Antonio 
      Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine  
    Associate Professor 
      Department of Internal Medicine 
      Texas A&M University 
      School of Medicine 
    
      - Bob Nix - "Larry, well deserved my friend! Godspeed."
 
     
    
    
      - James L. Holly - "We are still going to take you and
        your husband to dinner."
 
       
      - Lana Hampton Morris -- "Congratulations,
        James!!!!!!!You need to spend more time with your wife and family."
 
       
      - Julee Doiron - "Larry - congratulations!!  I
        remember when you and Carolyn were just starting out - You must realize
        how fortunate you are that you had such a long and fulfilling journey
        with your career.  AND - you're getting out while you're still
        young enough to get out and have some fun with your new freedom!
         Happy for you!!"
 
       
      - David Stone - "thank you for all that you have done
        in the way of medical care for me and my family. Thank you even more for
        your spiritual guidance and wisdom shared with me, which I believe will
        continue."
 
       
      - Janice Lambert Hebert - "Larry, this was absolutely
        beautifully written. So glad you shared it. I know you will enjoy your
        time with family and friends. Love to you all!"
 
       
      - Fred Patterson - "Best Wishes on Your Retirement!!
         Now on to the "other" important stuff!"
 
       
      - Willie Dell.  Weaver Boswell - "You are amazing.
        I will always remember your kindness to me when I asked you to see my
        late husband, Paul. Enjoy your retirement! Southeast Texas is losing an
        excellent and caring doctor."
 
       
      - Gayle A Griffin - "I'm sure going to miss you. Have a
        blessed, wonderful retirement."
 
       
      - Mark Douglas Fittz - "Thank you for your years of
        service to the people in Southeast Texas and beyond! What a blessing
        SETMA is to the various communities it serves. I am humbled by your
        consistent care and attention to our family through so many
        situations.  You have always been there for us. Thank you Larry!"
 
       
      - Delores Mayeaux Nail - "Congratulations Larry. In a
        few months you'll wonder how did I ever have time to work. I know you
        & Carolyn will stay busy & active. Enjoy every minute. 
        Ya'll deserve these golden years."
 
       
      - Inez Cagle - "Dr. Holly, Charles Cagle said tell you
        that he knows that Bill and Irene are so very proud of you.  We
        both know what a wonderful medical career you have had and I'm sure it
        isn't over yet.  Enjoy your time with Carolyn and your family now
         but you may be like Charles who at 89 yrs. still works hard at the
        computer and is still doing some work he has loved for many years.
         He never retired - just changed locations!!  You write well
        and we have enjoyed hearing from you but I had tears in my eyes as I
        read between the lines of what you wrote.  God Bless you and
        Carolyn in every way in the future.  You have enjoyed many
        wonderful years as a MD.  Your talent will just change locations as
        well."
 
       
      - James L. Holly - "You are a delightful
        connection for me to my mother and father."
 
       
      - James L. Holly - "Does he do genealogy?"
 
     
  
    
      - James L. Holly - "All I have ever wanted to be is to
        be an honor to your father."
 
       
      - Jerry P. Abraham - "Dr. James L. Holly, now you can
        come take a vacation in Southern California!  Hope you and Mrs.
        Carolyn Holly can make it out to Los Angeles at some point, ! would love
        to visit with you in East Texas soon as well.  Love,  jj"
 
       
      - James L. Holly - "You are and always will be one of
        ours. We love you."
 
         
        Jerry P. Abraham - "Dr. James L. Holly and Mrs.
        Carolyn Holly, I love you both very much. These first few years out of
        residency have been very tough...but doing my utmost best to get through
        the healthcare challenges we're facing, ji" 
       
      - Carolyn Holly - "Good to hear from you, Jerry!
         Friends are dear at this time for us."
 
       
      - Paula Page Davis - "Our very best to you Larry...I
        shared this with your friend John."
 
       
      - Gay Dale Ferguson - "Josh and I are very happy for
        you!  We will miss you greatly. Josh loves you SO much. He asks to
        see you all the time and is actually looking forward to come in for his
        flu shot. Lol. Hopefully you can help us find a new doctor Josh will
        like."
 
       
      - James L. Holly - "Josh is one of the reason's i
        regret retiring."
 
       
      - Tommie Whatley - "Congrats on your retirement!"
 
       
      - Kristi Mean Dunn - "Thank you Dr. Holly!!!  You
        so totally rock dude!!"
 
       
      - Irene Cardenas - "Enjoy this fall season of your
        productive life."
 
       
      - Jim Carson - "Enjoy your retirement!!👍"
 
       
      - Manuel Mendoza, Sr. - "I will always be part of SETMA
        till I reach 70 years. I'm 67 now and will always support the laboratory
        activities where I work. Thanks for the opportunity you've given me and
        will always be proud of whatever we do. Congratulations and God Bless
        you and your family."
 
       
      - Stacie Warren Clark - "This makes me so sad - I loved
        working for/ with you - I was there from the get go,  few months
        after setma first opened - you have done amazing things - I am
        privileged to say I was able to be a part of what you built"
 
       
      - Felicia Gonzales - "Congratulations, Doc!  Now
        you guys can come visit us at the lake!"
 
     
    
    
      - Scott Irwin - "Dr Holly, You will always be
        synonymous with SETMA and Leadership- both within SETMA, in healthcare,
        and life. Continued success in your next chapter.
 
        Thanks for being Dr. Holly!" 
       
      - Fran Bellue Mullins - "Congratulations You have been
        a Good & Faithful Servant!!! I couldn't be more happier for you and
        Caddy.  Wishing you both the best as you enter this new chapter in
        your life."
 
       
      - Mary Beth Rose - "Congrats Doc! God bless you!!!"
 
       
      - Michelle Satchfield - "Best Wishes!  It was my
        pleasure to be a part of the SETMA family and I continue to be grateful
        to you for that opportunity."
 
       
      - Sandra Chippewa Martin - "Thank you so much for
        everything you and Carolyn have done for my family... best wishes on
        your retirement, we ♥️� you both!!"
 
       
      - Sandra Pierson Smith - "Just cried. It won't be the
        same without you. Our family will always be thankful to you and yours
        for all that you have done for us and what you mean to us. I am happy
        for you to be able to retire and enjoy your beautiful wife even more.
        You are in my prayers."
 
     
    
    
      - An Employee - "Dr Holly my heart is so very heavy!! I
        have been so very blessed to work for a godly man who started and
        founded this practice on that faith!! I know I did not talk to you daily
        but I always knew I was welcome and that I could ask for guidance and
        even prayer !! 
 
         
        "I have learned so much working for the group of people you have brought
        together over the years. I'm going to miss food flying at my head at
        Christmas parties !!! I know changes forces growth. And that is what our
        Lord wants for us to grow in wisdom but to never loss integrity always
        stay humble and to love others especially the ones that don't love us.
        Thank you for standing for your faith and being the man of God called
        and created you to be! I and my family bless you and yours and we would
        love to have dinner occasionally with you and Carolyn." 
       
      - David Slaughter - "It has been a pleasure working
        with you and I will always appreciate the support you've given me."
 
       
      - Doug Vaughn - "Doctor Holly, as you will I have
        already done, retired that is.  Thank you for being my first
        Response to Retirement."
 
       
      - Keith Carter - "Ohhhh Larry - I am so so sorry to
        read of your upcoming retirement. You were, and remain, a wonderful man
        & thoughtful physician.  You will be truly, sorely
        missed.  Blessings, Keith "
 
       
      - DOUG Vaughn - "doctor in Beaumont and
        ministering to me and my family all these years.  Never ever will I
        forget the introduction from you to the Holy Spirit.  As I reflect,
        what a chance you took but of course you had an unction that morning and
        I was prepared to receive.  Thanks for your obedience and impact on
        my life.  God bless as you begin this new journey."
 
       
      - Jerry Jordan - "Hope to still see you around from
        time to time. Enjoy your retirement."
 
       
      - Nancy Singleton Williams - "Wish I could think of
        something to say. Guess I really never thought you would retire. Please
        tell me the coffee pot will still remain on.😿"
 
       
      - Felecia Caywood Colton -- I am very proud for you,
        yet selfishly sad to lose such a fine Doctor for our area.  I wish
        you and Mrs. Holly many, we deserved, years of retirement!"
 
       
      - James L. Holly - "I remember the day I hired
        you."           
          Michelle Satchfield - "Me too!  😊
         I didn't know then how much I would learn,  grow,  and
        be inspired.  I was looking for a job, but it was so much more.
         Thank you.
 
       
      - Kandi Kay Bellue Distefano - "Wow! I had no idea this
        was coming! Good for you! Congratulations! Love you!❤"
 
       
      - Michelle Burch -- "Best wishes for you Dr. Holly, I
        learned so much working at SETMA and will cherish every moment when the
        day we went from paper to electronic records what a day that was."
 
       
      - Carrie Holland Evans - "I was there and a part of
        that! Wow!!"
 
       
      - Sherry A. Hilton - "Dr. Holly I hope you enjoy your
        retirement.  Just one question.  Who will become my doctor?"
 
       
      - James L. HOLLY - "Several options."
 
       
      - Gwen Johnson  -- "Dr. Holly, you worked in the
        Emergency Department at St. Elizabeth Hospital on the Night Shift.
        Remember? Of course you do! I remember you, for sure! 
 
         
        "On a given night, during a slow period of time, I came into the ER as I
        was making Rounds "to see you doing "wheelies" in an ER wheelchair with
        the ER staff laughing & clapping!!!  
         
        "The grin on the face of our newest ER Physician was priceless. It
        clearly lowered the bar taking you off the traditional pedestal on which
        we placed physicians. Even as we all laughed at your brashness, we in
        that moment accepted you in your silliness as the mark of your being a
        "good guy'! Thank you for being a great, caring, approachable physician.
        I appreciate you." Mrs Johnston, RN Retired Administrative Supervisor
        (MsJ) 
       
      - James L. Holly - "Friends, she has no video,
        fingerprints or corroborating witnesses. I deny everything. Smile. I do
        remember.  Do you remember the holes in the sheets?  Can't
        tell that one."
 
       
      - Gwen Johnson - "James L. Holly shhhh"
 
       
      - Ruth Wallace - "What is Carolyn going do with you at
        home all of the time?  LOL"
 
       
      - James L. Holly - "Run!!!"
 
       
      - Kevin Herrington - "It has been a pleasure knowing
        and working with you all these years. A true mentor, a needed
        disciplinarian with fatherly love at times, ALWAYS a friend in Christ.
        Your family is very dear to me.  Very happy for you and Mrs.
        Holly."
 
     
    
      
        
          
              
                - Response from China to my retirement
                    announcement - Of all the responses I have
                  received since announcing my retirement eighteen hours ago,
                  this one is the dearest.  Huang Yanli is a young Chinese
                  woman, who has been to SETMA two times.  Her personal
                  affection - she has always called me Grandpa - and her
                  affirmation of SETMA's impact upon healthcare in Wuhou
                  District, reassures me that it has all been worth it. 
                  The following is her unaudited note 
 
                   
                  "On Aug 31, 2018, at 3:43 AM, ∞风猫∞  wrote: 
                   
                  "Dear grandpa:  I was shocked when I saw your announces
                  and very sad when I finished. At this moment I must tell you
                  How I adore you, grandpa. 
                   
                  "Under the guidance of your experience, primary medical
                  transformation in wuhou district has achieved initial results.
                  WONCA invited me to make an  speech at the conference in
                  Seoul in October.  I would like to share the joy with you
                  by email, but I did not expect to receive the news that you
                  are planning to retire first. For SETMA, your persistence and
                  guidance along the way have brought value to it, showing us
                  how essential the primary care should be
                  "As you hope, the spirit and method of SETMA's has landed
                    in distant China. Our team is blessed with your generous
                    guidance, and my team  will definitely stick to it. I
                    hope to have the opportunity to visit you again in Beaumont
                    in the next few years. Take care.  Your sincerely
                    Shirley" 
                     
                    ------------------ 原始邮件 ------------------ 
发件人: "James L. Holly"; 
发送时间: 2018年8月31日(星期五) 凌晨2:37 
收件人:   主题:  
 
               
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          Index | 
         
      
   
    
      - Thurman Bono - "wishing the best to both of you"
 
       
      - Steve Flink -- Physician friend from Indiana (SF(
 
        "Larry, you told me that this was coming when we talked recently.
         What an incredible impact you have had on health care not only
        locally, but nationally and internationally because of your leadership.
         You are an amazing man!  Thank you for your wisdom and your
        generous sharing of what you know and learned.  We, in Hancock
        County, Indiana have benefitted from what you made freely available on
        your SETMA website. 
         
        "Although you didn't choose to retire at this time we both know that God
        is sovereign.  The Lord has something else for you to do now.
         I know you are not going to play golf 5 times a week and eat
        bonbons all day.  I imagine you will spend more time with your
        grandchildren.  May you continue to fulfill the purpose that the
        Lord has for your life.  Thank you for your friendship, 
        Steve" 
       
      - Pat McNeel - "Oh Dr. holly, I'm so surprised to hear
        this. You have been a great Dr. for us and I thought we would have you
        as long as we lived. I can't imagine not having you as our doctor, I
        don't know anyone as good as you are.
 
       
      - Theresa Nix - "Dr Holly,  you are a life saver
        and life giver at every level.   The Bob Nix family will
        always hold you in high regard. We love and value you for your service
        and ministry.   Thank you"
 
     
  
      
        
          
              
                - Carlos Jaen
 
                  Dear Larry, thank you for your inspirational note and life
                  example.  We have often talked about our mutual mentor
                  Dr. F. Carter Pannill.  I know that he is smiling from
                  above as he reviews how his medical student from his years in
                  San Antonio has dramatically changed how primary care is seen
                  and valued.  Your leadership and example inspire all of
                  us in the Primary Care trenches, in our arena, to continue
                  with our fight on behalf of the patients and communities we
                  serve.  We learned from Dr. Pannill first-hand how to do
                  primary care and how to practice with a team. 
                  "In the same way, future generations will learn how to
                    practice integrated, patient-centered, high-quality care
                    from Larry Holly's legacy and SETMA's example.  Your
                    generosity continues to influence our UT Health San Antonio
                    deeply as we plan to receive our next Bellue-Holly
                    Distinguished Visiting Professor, Dr. Jeannette South-Paul
                    Chair of Family and Community Medicine at the University of
                    Pittsburg.  Dr. South-Paul is a member of the National
                    Academy of Medicine.  She will be in San Antonio the
                    first week of October during Primary Care Week.  
                     
                     More information to follow.  I hope that you and
                    Carolyn can join us as we honor her parents and yours. 
                    "Warm regards and my highest level of respect and
                    admiration, Carlos 
                     
                    Carlos  Roberto Jaén, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.A.F.P. 
                    Professor and Chair of Family and Community Medicine 
                    James L. and Carolyn Bellue Holly Distinguished Chair,
                    Patient-Centered Medical Home" 
                   
                 
               
             | 
          Index | 
         
      
     
    
      - Peggy Pitman - "You deserve it.   It is the
        Medical Professions loss. You and Carolyn have certainly earned some
        free time to do as you please.  You will forever be our favorite
        PCP.  Best Wishes!"
 
       
      - T. Bailey -- A note from an LVN who should be an MD - "Dt.
        Holly, I would like to thank You for all of the hard work and genuine
        love you have poured into SETMA.  I appreciate the faith and trust
        you have had in me over the last 18 years. 
 
         
        "As you recall I came to the "Evil Empire" with my friend Dr. John
        Vardiman.  I have grown tremendously, professionally and
        personally. I am truly at a loss for the right words.  I am
        saddened by this announcement but excited for your new ventures.  
         
        "The song that I requested played at my grandmother's funeral is now
        echoing in my head, although for a different reason, seems appropriate.
         The is a song by Ray Boltz.   Although the song refers to our
        heavenly home, so much of it rings true in your leadership and
        life.   I just want to say THANK YOU for GIVING TO THE LORD.
         Your generosity and love has had a positive impact on so
        many.  "Your Friend, Theresa,  
         
        THANK YOU." 
         
        I dreamed I went to heaven 
        You were there with me 
        We walked along the streets of gold 
        Beside the crystal sea 
        We heard the angels singing 
        Then someone called your name 
        You turned and saw a young man 
        He was smiling as he came 
        He said friend, you may not know me now 
        But then he said but wait 
        You used to teach my Sunday school 
        When I was only eight 
        Every week you would say a prayer 
        Before the class would start 
        One morning when you said that prayer 
        I asked Jesus in my heart 
        Thank you for giving to the Lord 
        I am a life that was changed 
        Thank you for giving to the Lord 
        I am so glad you gave 
        Then another man stood before you 
        And said remember the time 
        A missionary came to your church 
        His pictures made you cry 
        You didn't have much money 
        But you gave it anyway 
        Jesus took the gift you gave 
        And that is why I'm here today 
        Then another man stood before you 
        And said remember the time 
        A missionary came to your church 
        His pictures made you cry 
        You didn't have much money 
        But you gave it anyway 
        Jesus took the gift you gave 
        And that's why I'm here today 
        Thank you for giving to the Lord 
        I am a life that was changed 
        Thank you for giving to the Lord 
        I am so glad you gave 
        One by one they came, 
        As far as the eye could see 
        Each one somehow touched 
        By your generosity 
        Little things that you had done, sacrifices made 
        Unnoticed on the earth, heaven now proclaims 
        And I know up in heaven 
        That you're not supposed to cry 
        But I was almost sure 
        There were tears in your eyes 
        As Jesus took your hand 
        And you stood before the Lord 
        And He said my child look around you 
        For great is your reward 
        Thank you for giving to the Lord 
        I am a life that was changed 
        Thank you for giving to the Lord 
        I am so glad you gave 
        I am so glad you gave 
        I am so glad you gave 
       
      - Jennifer Salyer -- From a missionary family
          in Africa
 
         
        "It occurred to me that y'all might not see me in the newsfeed often, so
        I've sent this privately. I posted it yesterday. We back home are all
        healthy and well, although I can feel the warfare quite keenly. I read
        about your retirement and am, on one hand, flabbergasted, and on the
        other hand not surprised at all, as all good things do come to an end.
        It did amuse me, though to hear Brad's voice echoing your sentiments
        about when Caddie's ring went missing. How many times have I lamented
        that something got lost in the mail (care packages) or that we otherwise
        "lost" something and Brad's response it, "IT DOESN"T MATTER! Those are
        just things! At least we have everybody still alive and well!" Many
        years under your tutelage.... 
         
        "Oh, there was one more funny thing that was said recently and after
        telling Brad, he said you would be amused. Bianca, who is 5 and every
        bit my mini-me, has ALWAYS loved the color pink. A few weeks ago, she
        told me that her favorite color is no longer pink, but blue. Obligingly,
        I asked why. She responded, "Cause there's more blue in the sky than
        Carter's got little pills!!!" 
        "Sending love. I can't wait to tell Brad when he returns that you have
        finally decided to retire." 
     
    
    
      
        
          
              
                - Marvin Forland -- Note upon my retirement from one
                    of my favorite Medical School Professors
 
                     
                    From: "Forland, Marvin". 
                    Date: August 31, 2018 at 10:16:57 AM CDT 
                  Subject: Retirement 
                   
                  "Dear Larry,  as a veteran "retiree' let me extend my
                  congratulations and appreciation to you. Our relationship
                  began very early in your preparation for a career in medicine
                  - indeed, almost fifty years ago, and
                    it has indeed been a pleasure to see you fulfill so
                    expansively all your early promise. Your highly successful
                    efforts at SETMA, your ongoing community initiatives (which
                    have spread internationally), and your continued loyalty and
                    efforts on behalf of our shared institution reflect core
                    values which I have greatly admired through these
                    years.  (emphasis added) 
                   
                  "My key suggestion for those approaching retirement comes from
                  the Swiss physician Paul Tournier's book, "Learn to Grow Old'
                  (1972).  He urges those preparing for retirement to plan
                  ahead to assure stimulation from continued or new activities -
                  these should be in place so that one does not retire from -
                   but retires to. I'm certain you already have many
                  exciting activities planned. 
                   
                  "With fond regards And all good wishes to you and Carolyn,
                  Marvin 
                   
                  Marvin Forland, M.D., M.A.C.P. 
                  Professor of Medicine Emeritus 
                  Center for Medical Humanities and Ethics 
                  Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine 
                  UT Health San Antonio  
               
             | 
          Index | 
         
      
     
    
      - Peggy Lee -- From an associate with the IPA with which SETMA
          works upon my retirement 
 
         
        "Dr. Holly, thank You for sharing this with me.  My heart is heavy
        and sad.  Tears come to my eyes.  You have been the driving
        force of SETMA.  Although this is not what you had hoped for,
        perhaps you will find peace with it.  You are going to finally get
        more time with the family you love so dearly. 
         
        "Whatever you decide to do going forward, I am sure that you will have
        the same dedication that you have had all these years of service to your
        patients and the community that you serve.   
         
        "I genuinely appreciate all that you have done and I too want great
        things to continue for the SETMA organization.  God has other plans
        for you now, Sincerely, your friend, Peggy" 
       
      - Kenny Eberhart - "What an outstanding contribution
        you have been blessed to dedicate yourself to the good of so many. I am
        one who has been fortunate to spend a season in your company. God has
        blessed me and my family in our friendship. Thanks now go with joy and
        many good years ahead."
 
       
      - Glenn McNeel - "Appreciate your years of service to
        our family. Thanks also for bringing Doctor Michael Paul Thomas on board
        at SETMA. May God's riches be yours and your wife in this new venture."
 
       
      - Judy Derick - "Dr.  Holly have wonderful
        retirement.  I am sure you and Carolyn have earn time to do the fun
        things this life has to offer.  Your faith in Jesus Christ has
        always been special  to me. So glad for a Brother and Sister in
        Christ. God bless and keep you both."
 
     
    
      
        
          
              
                - Bill Henrich,  UT Health San Antonio President
                  - "Dear Larry, by Aristotle's definition of happiness, you
                  should be the happiest person in the world:    
                  You've given your life to something worthwhile, to the healing
                  and care of others.  You've earned the chance to take a
                  deep breath and take a look around.  I look forward to
                  seeing more of you and Carolyn and know you will cherish the
                  time with family and friends.   
 
                   
                  "It will be difficult to calibrate
                    the magnitude of your contributions.  More than any
                    numbers, you are an example of what physicians aspire to be:
                    Caring, competent, creative and humble.
                   (emphasis added) I count myself fortunate our paths have
                  crossed - what a lucky day that was for me.  Love to you
                  and Carolyn.  Bill" 
                   
                  Larry,   I love reading the heartfelt tributes and
                  notes from so many of your colleagues and
                  friends.      The central theme in
                  them is the love they express for you and Carolyn, a sentiment
                  Mary and I deeply share.   Moreover, these
                  expressions of affection are completely sincere. 
                   You and Carolyn are role models to all, sterling
                  examples of how to live life.   Bless you
                  both.   Your friend,  Bill 
               
             | 
          Index | 
         
      
     
    
      - College Station Hospital Administrator
        --  "You are a legend and I am so glad
          I had the opportunity to benefit from working with you.  I often
          speak of you and SETMA as the true model for medicine."
 
       
      - Michael Oz - "Sorry to hear...congratulations and
        best wishes..well done.."
 
       
      - Charles and Alicia -- From a Pharmacist Colleague -
        "It is with much dismay that I read your post about your retirement.
         Our professional practices started very close together.  Mine
        1972.  I worked for others in order to be able to open my current
        independent practice in 1983. I hope to keep going with my one man show
        as long as I can. When you love and enjoy what you do, why retire?
 
         
        "I remember your ER days, and Drs. Fortney and English, and then the
        building of one of the premier medical practices in the US, with you at
        the helm. Alicia and I have felt so privileged to be part of the SETMA
        family for the last 9 years.  Thanks so much for what you have done
        to help and enrich our SE Texas Community. 
        May God bless you and Carolyn and your family. Charles & Alicia" 
       
      - Chris Maggio. University President --  "Dr.
        Holly, Thank you for the email and I wish you the best in your
        retirement.  You have truly made an impact on your profession and
        mankind.  I know this is a tough decision for you, but please know
        that you certainly enhanced healthcare in southeast Texas over the past
        four decades.  I look forward to visiting with you soon in person
        to again let you know how much I appreciate your contributions to
        others. Sincerely, Chris:
 
       
      - Ruth Berggren, Comment from UT Health Professor 
        -- "Painful for you and Carolyn I'm sure. But none of this can undo or
        erase the loving kindness and healing touch you have provided to your
        patients and community over these many years, nor the role modeling you
        have provided nor the contribution of your mode of health care delivery.
        You have much to be proud of and your community has greatly benefitted
        from your work." Ruth. 
 
         
        "Dear Dr Holly, This letter took me by surprise, and considering the
        circumstances you described, it saddens me a great deal.  We here
        at the Center are grateful for the friendship and generous support you
        have shown us through the years, and we hope we will continue to see you
        at many of our upcoming events sponsored by the Center for Medical
        Humanities & Ethics.  Please give my very warmest regards to
        your lovely wife Carolyn.  With all my best wishes for a safe and
        happy Labor Day weekend. Ruth" 
       
      - Beaumont Hospital Admin - "Sad day for medicine in SE
        TX region; however a celebration of decades of accomplishments,
        innovations and successes, all accomplished honoring God's Word and
        Principles.  DP"
 
     
    
    
      - Pat Crawford - "Dr. Holly, I know that you are doing
        what you feel is best at this time taking all things
        into consideration.  I know that we will do the best we can to
        continue on without you but you must know that SETMA will never be the
        same.  You are SETMA.  Hopefully, we can continue the work
        that you began and make you proud.  I will miss you terribly. Pat."
 
       
      - Texas A&M Medical School Professor - "Dr. Holly.
        just wanted to say thank you for your many years of selfless service and
        sacrifice.  You have made a difference in so many people and
        places.  God bless your new ministry as you now get more time to
        focus on your family and friends.   God Bless and GigEm. Kory.
        Texas A&M"
 
       
      - Laurie Liebel - "Dr. Holly, I had to take a moment to
        process this news.  I think you have been giving me warning that it
        would happen but I was hoping that it would be down the road.  I
        have worked for you for twenty years and when I say work for you I know
        that there is so much more to it than just working for you. I care for
        you.  I have always looked up to you and Mrs. Holly.
 
         
        "As I am writing this I am crying because I am so saddened. I do not
        know what quite to say.  I know that I told you the story that my
        oldest daughter has a rare disease and I felt that SETMA played a major
        part in getting her well.  This has made me feel dedicated to SETMA
        all these years. 
         
        "I do not know what else to say.  I feel like I am not saying
        enough." 
       
      - Baptist Hospital Administrator - "You will be greatly
        missed as a physician.  The service you have provided to our
        community and the dedication to healthcare has benefitted so many
        people.  I'm very grateful to have worked with you. Congratulations
        on this next step.  Hope your grandson is doing well. Regards,
        Bryan"
 
       
      - Phuc Lee, A SETMA Partner - "Sometimes my emotions
        won't allow me to express what and how I truly feel but i just wanted
        you to know that I am truly grateful and appreciate everything you have
        done in the past 6 years as I have gotten the opportunity to know and
        work with you. The sacrifice you made for SETMA is heartfelt and beyond
        what is expected. You are an honorable man and an awesome physician and
        you shall be sorely missed upon your retirement.  Thank you for
        everything sir."
 
       
      - Faiza Anwar, a SETMA Partner's Wife - "My dear Dr
        Holly, I read your beautifully written email. You are an icon and
        institution for healthcare. The vacuum that you will leave will be
        impossible to fill but I know that you will be exceptional at anything
        that your heart desires. I wish you nothing but the best for this new
        journey of your life. 
 
        "You will be dearly missed. You and Mrs Holly are more than friends to
        me. You are like my family. Love you both!  Yours
        lovingly, FA" 
       
      - Jim Shepherd - "Larry, I am devastated and saddened
        in equal measure by this news...
 
         
        If it is any comforts it reminds me of the fate of some of my personal
        heroes.These include Sir Winston Churchill, General Charles De Gaulle,
        Dame Margaret Thatcher and General Douglas Mac Arthur.   
         
        "All were agents of change and though shunted aside for expedience, they
        left behind enduring generational changes. 
         
        "In my own retirement I knew I would miss my patients but never
        suspected how much.  However this past summer i have been able to
        interact spontaneously with my grandchildren in ways that were
        impossible when I worked.  We have gone to the beach, flown cost to
        coast and have picked out a new bicycle and an I-phone. 
         
        "Hopefully you can also enjoy some of this precious time.  Perhaps
        you and I could cooperate on some other venture, especially if it is of
        a voluntary nature.  Jim" 
       
      - Steve Best - "Wish you the best Doc, Lord bless."
 
       
      - Mary Jane Castro, a Partner at SETMA - "Dear Dr
        Holly, I appreciate your understanding....  I still respect and
        appreciate everything you have done for SETMA and your people.
         Your kindness, understanding and all the support you have given me
        and my family, will never be forgotten.  You have a legacy that
        will stand the test of time.  We will cherish and protect it.
        Sincerely, MJ."
 
       
      - SETMA Department Head --  "I've always really
        liked you Dr. Holly and through the years I've grown to love you and
        your family.  I've always felt privileged to be part of SETMA.
         I'm very grateful that you have allowed physical therapy to be a
        part of this great organization. 
 
         
        "You have supported my family and myself far beyond what any boss is
        ever expected to do and you have done it with grace, love and
        compassion.  You have seen me at my best and my worst and you have
        always instilled a confidence in me that has truly helped me.  You
        have shown consistent faith in me even though I have always felt that
        I've come up short in meeting our goals.  You have helped me far
        more than you could ever know. 
         
        "Again, I'm very honored to have worked with you in providing health
        care to the patients of SETMA and forever grateful.  I sincerely
        hope the very best for you and all of your family.  I hope sometime
        we may have a chance to visit some and whatever the future holds for us
        I will always truly value you as my friend. 
         
        God Bless you Sir" 
       
      - Mrs Henrich. Attorney, Wife of UT Health President -
        "Larry, you are such a wonderful doctor. We love you and Carolyn and
        look forward to your whatever your ACT II will bring.  I hope that
        it includes much more writing.  I always open your emails first.
         Love, Mary"
 
       
      - Jon Summerhouse --  "Congratulations Larry, You
        are one of the best men I have ever met, I look forward to seeing you
        before your retire.  May our Lord Jesus Christ Bless and keep you
        in His mighty right hand! Jon"
 
       
      - Alumni Director, UT Health San Antonio - "Dr. Holly,
        As always, you have written a beautiful message that captures your
        feelings so wonderfully.  I know that this is a new beginning for
        you.  I'm anxious to see what God has planned for you next! 
        Thank you for sharing this.  God bless you and yours, sir. Steven"
 
       
      - SETMA Laboratory Supervisor - "This news saddens me
        greatly, what you have built here has greatly impacted so many people!
        Most of my family members'  primary care physicians are SETMA
        providers and I'm always recommend people to come here as patients .
        I've also encourage a lot of people to apply to work here when positions
        are open.
 
         
        "My 6 y/o daughter has sickle cell anemia and has had countless hospital
        stays, starting next week she will start her biweekly blood transfusion
        leading up to her bone marrow transplant in January.  SETMA's
        ability to give me vacation time  every year , the patient care dpt
        that helped me knock out a few of her hospital bills and the wonderful
        insurance offered by you guys has made it possible to care for her and
        still be able to successfully manage the lab. 
         
        "Hopefully the positives qualities you've instilled in this company
        continue after you are gone .People get accustomed to ways that have
        been set for a while but change although difficult can be good. 
        Enjoy your retirement!!!  Tiffany" 
       
      - A Minister Friend from California - "There is no
        surprise in this to me, as it expresses what I believe your previous
        email suggested.  Clarification and clarity are what it is.
 
         
        "Now, here is the BIG thing:  God is allowing this for His
        purposes!  I so believe this must have been necessary to pave the
        way for what lies ahead.  This storm surely has brought anguish.
         But this is a brief "night" that is prelude to a wonderful New
        Day.   clergyman 
         
        "If the creator of this document has dementia, I hereby volunteer for it
        also.  Clergyman 
         
        (Editor's Note:  This response came from the fact that one SETMA
        partner was spreading the rumor that I have dementia.) 
       
      - University President's Response to Chinese Note -
        "Wow!  Your obvious impact that people see is in Southeast Texas,
        but I know what your generosity has done for us at Northwestern.
         To see the email below, and I know hundreds/thousands more (some
        written, some not), just shows how your reach is not regional or
        national, it is worldwide!  Sincerely,  Chris Maggio"
 
       
      - From Department Chair at Lamar - "Dr. Holly, This is
        beautiful and inspiring. I wish I would have had the opportunity to be
        one of your colleagues or patients! However, I'm thankful for other
        circumstances bringing us together.  Thank you for sharing and I
        will be sure to pass it along to my dad. I hope you and your family have
        a wonderful Labor Day Weekend.
 
         
        Brian Shook, DMA 
        Department Chair 
        Associate Professor of Music (Trumpet) 
         
        I enjoyed your note. Here is an article I wrote about being a physician.
        Sounds like your father  http://www.jameslhollymd.com/Your-Life-Your-Health/pdfs/the-honor-of-being-a-physician.pdf 
     
    
      
        
          
              
                - Chinese Leader Expresses Sadness and Gratitude
 
                   
                  From:  刘晶炜  
                   
                  "Dr Holly. I remember the following words from: you: 
                  "From a personal standard point, in the 36 years I have
                  maintained a private clinic before and including SETMA, 39% of
                  the time I have used EMR as a means of documenting a patient
                  encounter and as a means of improving the quality of care
                  delivered in those clinics. If I practice for eight more years
                  (a total of 44 clinic years), I will have practiced 22 years
                  or 50% of my career with an EMR. To the next generation of
                  healthcare providers, this observation will seen quaint but to
                  those of us who form the bridge between "the before EMR' and
                  "after EMR', it is significant." 
                   
                  "It's so sad to get your retirement announcement.  I
                  still remember the first pilgrimage visit to SETMA in 2014,
                  and the "PCMH Bible" you provided us which guide me and my
                  team in the following years on the journey of PCMH & EPM
                  exploration.   You are the beacon light of future primary
                  care, right now my eye is fulled with tear, no word to express
                  my gratitude, respect and admiration for you.  
                   
                  "I still owe you a trip to China,  we are still exploring
                  new primary care transformation journey in China following
                  your direction. Whatever you decide to do going forward, we
                  genuinely expect you to give us the opportunity to host you in
                  China and continue help us to re-build EMR infrastructure for
                  next generation primary care.  Jingwei" 
               
             | 
          Index | 
         
      
     
    
      - From a SETMA NP - "ok.  now that I have composed
        myself and gotten over the shock....
 
         
        SETMA will not be the same without you and Mrs Holly. Thank you for
        everything you have done for YOUR Company. Many years of blood, sweat
        and tears has gone into this place and for that... 
         
        "I am grateful. I will never forget your generosity and support when
        Stone was born and in the NICU even when you tried to kidnap him 🙂 you
        and Mrs Holly came to my room and prayed with me and that powerful pray
        brought me to tears and I knew then things were going to be ok with my
        little boy.  
         
        I hope you enjoy retirement because you have earned ever moment of it.
          Maybe you could even sleep past 4 am some days! Thank you Dr
        Holly!! Kelly 
       
      - A Beaumont Banker - "Wow.  I will look forward
        to visiting with you about this.  You are a great leader.
 
       
      -  NSU Executive - "Dr. Holly: Congratulations on an
        extraordinary career. You have been a positive influence on thousands of
        lives, and your impact on your community, state and nation has been
        enormous. We at Northwestern are proud and honored that you are an
        alumnus and that you have represented our university through the years
        with such dignity and distinction. Please let me know if we may ever
        assist you in any way, and please stay in touch. J. Pierce"
 
       
      - SETMA Employee CPA - "Dr. Holly, I was going to write
        to you for another reason... literally opened my e-mail to do so... and
        saw this e-mail.  It brings tears to my eyes to think of what a
        great organization you have led and how exciting the times ahead for you
        must be.  I'm so happy for you that you will enjoy the next many
        years with your wife and family as well as serving Christ in whatever
        capacity He may lead you.  I mean that with all my heart.
 
         
        "So my other reason for writing is that I just gave Richmond notice of
        my resignation.   I'll have been here at SETMA for 15 years in
        January, so this was a difficult decision to make, and my heart is sad
        for all the people I'm leaving.  I too plan to finish out the year
        at SETMA to adequately train my replacement, but I didn't want to leave
        without expressing to you my sincerest and deepest gratitude for the
        opportunity to work as a CPA here.  I never expected to be able to
        work and raise my children at the same time, but SETMA gave me the most
        flexible job opportunity I could imagine that let me put family first.
          It allowed my family to initially make it through tough financial
        times and then for the last ten to just enjoy what I do in an
        environment that I feel is as good as any I ever could have found.
        "I didn't want to leave without acknowledging to you that what you
          did for me in giving me this position and letting me work it as I do
          is one of God's greatest graces to me in literally my whole life.
           I am very grateful and will always hold you and SETMA in high
          regard and honor.  
          May God bless you and Mrs. Holly with the greatest of adventures in
          this next phase of your life,  Sincerely, Laura" 
       
       
      - Richard Smith - "My first thought is will I ever see
        my Dear Friend again ?
 
        I sure hope so "Doc" ! I'm going to be totally lost for a while ! 
        I love you my Dear Friend ! Thank you for taking care of me and along
        with GOD!" 
       
      - SETMA NP  -- "Your retirement announcement
        shocked me as it did so many. It saddens me to see you leave but I
        rejoice in knowing God has great plans and purpose in your life. I look
        forward to hearing about some of your surprise blessings that you bestow
        upon complete strangers.   It wouldn't surprise me at all to
        see you and Mrs Holly one week in the snow marveling at the Northern
        lights and the next week in the dessert praying over our
        troops.   You have been so much more than a founder of SETMA,
        you have been our true North.  Your leaving does make me a bit
        nervous about the future. As you know 15 years ago I took my mom's
        advice when she told me to go work for Dr Holly "he is a good, honest
        man". Thank you for giving me that opportunity. I wish many
        blessings to you and Mrs Holly during this next adventure in
        life. Dana"
 
       
      - Johnathan Flowers - "Congrats, Doc! Well deserved"
 
     
    
      
        
          
              
                - Leigh Parker - "I remember Atticus -- Doc,
                      I just heard of the news of your pending
                  retirement. While the timing is inconceivable to me, I am
                  confident that your decision is another act of sacrificial
                  love for SETMA.   The bonus is that you get to redeem
                  those five or so years you had planned to stay at SETMA and
                  exchange them for an early start to the decades of adventure
                  you get to share with your wonderful bride and those
                  grandchildren.
 
                   
                  "I've known you for 40 years. Regardless of the situation or
                  the person, you never chose the easy path of least resistance.
                  You were called to do the unpleasant things. Your callings in
                  ministry and in medicine compelled you to navigate terrain
                  that most refrain from traveling: 
                   
                  "I remember your conviction to bring a bus load of poor people
                  and minorities into your house of worship in the 1970s and
                  early 1980s. 
                   
                  "After 9/11. in the midst of fear, I remember your public
                  stand in the newspaper to defend your colleagues and friends
                  of the Islamic faith. 
                   
                  "You raised issues and provided accountability in the Southern
                  Baptist Convention in areas that would have happily remained
                  untouchable by everyone else.
                  "You challenged (and likely infuriated) some of your
                    colleagues across the nation about the necessity of
                    electronic medical records and why it was no longer a
                    prudent medical practice to rely upon paper documentation. 
                     
                    "I remember your deep friendships with people suffering from
                    AIDs and those about to spend many years in prison. 
                    "And, I know of only a fraction of the times where you, in
                    secret, freely gave away your time, your treasure, and
                    medical expertise to those who would never be able to return
                    the blessing.   
                     
                    "I gave you the following literary reference on your 50th
                    Wedding Anniversary to Mrs. Holly, but it seems more
                    appropriate now than ever.  In To Kill a Mockingbird,
                    the Finch children are brought into the home of their
                    elderly neighbor, Miss Maudie. Atticus Finch has inevitably
                    lost the trial of Tom Robinson, and faces some isolation and
                    certain backlash from his town. "As we ate, we sensed that
                    this was Miss Maudie's way of saying that as far as she was
                    concerned, nothing had changed. She sat quietly in a kitchen
                    chair, watching us.  
                     
                    "Suddenly she spoke: "Don't fret, Jem. Things are never as
                    bad as they seem.' 
                    Indoors, when Miss Maudie wanted to say something lengthy
                    she spread her fingers on her knees and settled her
                    bridgework. This she did, and we waited.  
                     
                    "I simply want to tell you that there are some men in this
                    world who were born to do our unpleasant jobs for us.
                      Your father's one of them."  
                     
                    "We're the safest folks in the world," said Miss Maudie.
                    "We're so rarely called on to be Christians, but when we
                    are, we've got men like Atticus to go for us.'  
                     
                    "I often wondered why a self professed shoe-less poor boy,
                    who walked dirt roads in Louisiana, would not simply take
                    the easier paved road of success and embrace the crowds and
                    the love of the masses by going along to get along. 
                    "It is simple, really. You love people enough to help them
                    by espousing truth, despite the loneliness or the pain it
                    inflicts upon you. 
                     
                    "Doc, you are Atticus Finch---
                      You simply exchanged a brief case for a medical bag. 
                      Go enjoy your next calling.  We love you. Leigh" 
                 
               
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                - Scott Anthony, SETMA NP
                  --  "I watched"
 
                   
                  "Dr. Holly, it is with sadness and a heavy heart that I write
                  to you now. In my past 19 1/2 years at SETMA, I never thought
                  I would see this day. My emotions vacillate between anger,
                  shock, sadness, fear and happiness for you. My wife and I have
                  never worked as an NP for anyone but you. We have learned so
                  much from you and respect you deeply. I hope the lessons you
                  taught us will be evident in our actions on a daily basis.
                  I watched as you went to other pods on Calder after you
                    were finished to help other providers see pts 
                    I watched as you came in early after waking up at 3 am and
                    making hospital rounds to read x-rays  
                    I watched as you told other providers " they are not my pts,
                    they are not your pts, they are OUR pts 
                    I watched when you treated NPs as colleagues and spoke
                    against the term "mid-level" 
                    I watched when you didn't ask anyone to do something you
                    were not willing to do 
                    I watched when you put GOD first in all of SETMAs dealings 
                    I watched when you pushed all SETMA providers to be better
                    and pursue excellence 
                    I watched when you were a man of your word 
                    I watched when you loved your wife so much that you refused
                    to make rounds with a female provider 
                    I watched when you created templates to help us take better
                    care of our pts 
                    I watched when you based your success on how successful you
                    made other people 
                    I watched when you were SETMAs ambassador and told others
                    our story and we were all proud 
                    I watched when you worked tirelessly on whatever project we
                    needed done to improve our care of our pts 
                    I watched when you treated all pts and employees with
                    dignity and respect 
                     
                    "This is just a small list of what I have seen while working
                    with you. I know I am leaving hundreds of examples out. I
                    can only hope that along the way I become half the husband,
                    provider, grandfather, father and Christian that you are.
                    You will be missed more than you know. I wish nothing but
                    health and happiness for you and Mrs. Holly in your
                    retirement. I hope now you can "watch" us and see us doing
                    things that make you proud. God bless you Dr. Holly and
                    please keep in touch." 
                     
                    Second Note from Scott:  "My heart hurts.  I wish
                    I had better words to tell you what you have and still do
                    mean to me.  I have looked up to you for 19 1/2 years
                    and don't know how things will go.  if you get a new
                    cell you better give me the number(half-hearted smile)
                     I love you and Mrs holly  I hope y'all have great
                    times and make wonderful memories" 
                 
               
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      - Maureen  -- "Larry, zo sorry to hear about your
        retirement, but I do hope that you continue to share your innovative and
        patient-centered ideas with us all! You are an amazing leader and a
        wonderful friend!  Warmly, Maureen
 
         
        Wow, what an honor to read these amazing tribute to your life,
         your career, your integrity, inspiration, expertise and
        humanity!  Enjoy every minute of learning in China and stay
        close!  Hugs,  Maureen 
       
      -  Alicia, SETMA NP - "Thank you Dr
        Holly for the email.  This transition is unsettling.  I valued
        working for you because of your integrity, honesty, and respect.  I
        struggle to envision a SETMA after you are gone.   I thank you
        for all of your leadership; but I remain especially  grateful for
        your friendship and assistance during difficult days.  I will never
        forget your understanding and kindness.  I also respect your
        gracious wife; she is an example to me daily.  I will continue to
        pray for you during the coming months. Very sincerely, Alicia"
 
       
      - Nicole, SETMA NP - "Dr. Holly,
        Though I have not had the opportunity to work beside you for long, the
        time that I have had has been at the least fulfilling. You are kind,
        supportive, and driven in all of your endeavors. I just want to
        thank you again for providing me an opportunity to start my career as a
        nurse practitioner with SETMA. For many years, I have dreamed of
        being a part of the SETMA team as a provider. With that said, I will
        definitely miss you and your Monday morning "hello"  Thank you for
        believing in your team of practitioners and valuing what we bring to the
        table for healthcare. I know I will work hard to continue proving our
        value as a provider in assisting patient's best outcomes with the
        support of SETMA doctors in this transition. God is good and He provides
        in time of need. When we stumble, He prevents our fall. I reach up to
        Him daily for strength, wisdom, and endurance. Praying for you is in
        this transition, as I know you have struggled with this decision since
        July.  Have fun and ENJOY retirement. Sincerely, Nicole"
 
     
    
      
        
          
              
                - Ted Carpenter, Universal American
 
                  September 19, 2011
                  Deborah H. Morrill, Vice President and Chief Development
                    Officer, UT Health Science Center San Antonio 
                  Dear Ms. Morrill, 
                  On behalf of Universal American, we are delighted to make a
                    contribution to the University of Texas health Science
                    Center San Antonio to the endowment of he James L. Holly
                    Distinguished Professorship in Patient-Centered Medical
                    home. We are making a total contribution of $100,000 I honor
                    of Dr. Holly. Enclosed is an initial check for $50,000, and
                    we are pledging the remaining amount by July 21, 2012. 
                  Our organization works with thousands of physicians across
                    the United States.  Further, we collaborate with dozens
                    of physician leaders who dedicate themselves to organizing
                    outstanding patient care by seeking new and innovative ways
                    to improve the entire patient care process.  We are
                    very fortunate to work with some of the very best physician
                    leaders in the country. 
                  That said, Dr. Holly is in a
                      league by himself.  His energy, passion, and
                      unrelenting commitment to improving quality of care is
                      without equal in my experience.  He drives positive
                      change within his practice and community, implements
                      value-added technology to improve clinical outcomes, reads
                      and write prolifically regarding clinical and public
                      health issues and generously shares what he has learned
                      with all interested parties across the United States.
                      Under Dr. Holly's leadership, SETMA has been honored
                      countless times for their innovation, technology and
                      services to the community.  By far, however, their
                      greatest accomplishments is the care and quality that each
                      SETMA patient receives. The are the real beneficiaries of
                      this extraordinary physician practice.  (emphasis
                      added) 
                  For all these reasons, it is a real pleasure to support the
                    endowment for the new Dr. and Mrs. James L. Holly
                    Distinguished Chair at the UT Health Science Center in San
                    Antonio. 
                  Sincerely, Theodore M. Carpenter Jr., President Universal
                    American, MA Division 
                 
               
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      - Larry and Carolyn Sadness -- Memories and Musings
 
         
        As I prepare my final newspaper column which will be published on
        September 13, 2018 -- 21 years since the first -- which is entitled "My
        Valedictory Address and Retirement Notice," I look around my desk and
        office and see " a life and a career" in a snapshot.
        I see my framed diploma from the University of Texas Medical School
          in San Antonio dated May 26, 1973, along with my Texas license to
          practice medicine dated August 1, 1973 and my Louisiana medical
          license dated December 6. 1973.  
        I remember the day I took the Texas examination and the day I took
          the Louisiana examination. I remember the physician from Cuba who had
          emigrated to the USA and who were taking the Louisiana exam. They
          expressed amazement at how quickly I finished each part of the exam. I
          told them, "It just does take me long to look at a horseshoe." 
        Prominently on my desk and in my office are pictures of my wife and
          me, and of my children and grandchildren. There is a picture of Ron
          Fittz, my closest friend who died over thirty years ago but whom I
          remember every day. 
        There are books and other pictures and objects which reflect awards
          and honors and personal relationships but which mostly reflect a
          life.  
        I am not melancholy as I look around but I am sobered. I realize that
          in a few months, this chapter -- more like an encyclopedia than a
          chapter -- will be done.  
        Yet, I am already looking forward to January 1, 2019, which will
          begin this news part of my life and of Carolyn's. I am looking forward
          to studying French at Lamar University and maybe Creative writing. I
          wonder what that costs?  I wonder if I will do well?  I look
          forward to having extended time to read through the Bible and to
          exercise regularly.  
        Of course, I will write. Maybe, I'll write a novel -- I think
          everyone imagines doing that. In that SETMA, as we know it today, will
          cease to exist, I may write the history of this organization. I
          certainly will continue to opine upon the political maelstrom in which
          we find ourselves. 
        I will play cards and chess with my grandchildren and Carolyn and I
          will travel. For most people that means exotic, faraway places but for
          us that will mean visiting places which have meant a great deal to
          us.  
        And as I walk around my office, I look at certificates and mementoes,
          I realize that I am doing that in our home more and more. Daily, I
          create mental images of the tapestry of Carolyn and my life together.
          Who could have asked for more -- not me. I am grateful for hundreds
          and thousands of people who have contributed generously to our lives.
          And, of course, there is the "Hall of Fame," of those who are at the
          heart of these memories.  
        Maybe, I will write about them. 
        Have you ever told yourself that everything is O.K., only to have
          reality tell you that it's not?  
        This morning as I have begun telling my patients of my retirement,
          the heavy sadness that has come over me, let's me know what a poor
          liar I am when I keep telling myself "it's, O.K." 
       
     
    
      
        
          
              
                - Fifty Years of Memories By James L. Holly, MD Your
                    Life Your Health The Examiner September 6, 2018
 
                  In September 2018, UT Health San Antonio Long School of
                    Medicine marks its fiftieth year training physicians in
                    Texas.  As the school looks back on fifty years, my
                    wife, Carolyn Bellue Holly and I look back on our journey
                    which brought us to San Antonio in 1969 as first year
                    medical students.  I use the plural because as much as
                    it is possible for two people to occupy one place in a
                    professional school, we did.  After graduating from
                    college in May, 1965, Carolyn and I married, August 7,
                    1965.  That first year we taught school in Golden
                    Meadow, Louisiana and then moved to Waco, Texas to enter
                    graduate school at Baylor University. 
                  In August of 1966, after moving to Waco, Carolyn and I had
                    a portrait made.  When she commented that we did not
                    have a lot of money, I told her that someday, we would be
                    very glad to have that portrait.  Fifty-two years
                    later, we are. This is the portrait.  Alas, all was not
                    so great.  For our first anniversary, I gave Carolyn a
                    tall, pole ivy with a note that as this plant grew and
                    flourished it would reflect our love and marriage.  One
                    week later, it was grave-yard dead from a cut worm. 
                    
                  During that first year at Baylor (Fall, 1966 - Spring
                    1967), it became increasingly obvious that while I had
                    started college in Pre-Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M,
                    human medicine would be my life's work.  In the fall of
                    1967, I worked full time and began doing part-time pre-med
                    courses at Baylor.  In the spring of 1968, I took the
                    Medical College Admissions Text (MCAT) and applied for
                    admission to medical school.  One of the ironies of our
                    journey was that the American Association of Medical College
                    (AAMC) sponsored the MCAT.  It was impossible to know
                    at this time that in 1970-1971 and 1971-1972 I would serve
                    as a voting member of the Executive Committee of the AAMC
                    and would vote twice on the accreditation of the Long School
                    of Medicine, and would be the first medical student to serve
                    as a voting member of a medical school accreditation site
                    visit (Cornell Medical College in New York). 
                  In the fall of 1968, in class one day, I learned of my
                    future, when a fellow student said to me, "I hear you are
                    going to be a doctor."  I looked at him in amazement
                    because he knew something which I did not.  The Pre-Med
                    Advisor, a remarkable man, Dr. Virgil Tweedy, had received a
                    copy of my acceptance letter which I had not yet
                    received.  Immediately, I knew where the letter
                    was.  It was at our previous address. 
                    Immediately, I left school and drove to 2623 Bosque where we
                    had lived.  For several minutes, I stood at the mail
                    box. I knew my letter was in that box, but I also knew that
                    it was illegal for me to open that mail box and no one was
                    home.  
                  For the first and for the last time to my knowledge, I
                    intentionally broke a Federal Law.  I opened the box.
                      In it was my future.  It was December 8, 1968
                    when I opened that mailbox, but my acceptance letter was
                    dated November 22, 1968, which curiously was a Sunday. 
                    I still have that letter as Carolyn had it framed for
                    me.  As we look back on those days and remember the
                    events that marked our journey, we both remember that as my
                    acceptance letter was received with one semester and a
                    summer left before I was to start medical school in
                    September, 1968, I still had to complete three semester
                    hours of biology, eight hours of organic chemistry and eight
                    hours of physics.  Working full time and completing
                    nineteen hours of science by August, 1969 now seems
                    daunting, but we did it. 
                  The letter also instructed me to send in a $30.00 deposit
                    to secure my place in the 1969 class.  I did.  
                  As we look back on those halcyon days fifty years ago, we
                    realize that we have lived the entire history of UT Health
                    San Antonio Long School of Medicine.  We have
                    participated in the momentous events which have created one
                    of the premier medical schools in America. 
                  In August, 1969, we loaded up a U-Haul trailer and moved
                    our little family which included Nina, our Shetland Sheep
                    dog, to an apartment complex across the street from Fort Sam
                    Houston Beach Pavilion Medical Center in San Antonio. 
                    Carolyn was to teach and we were to manage the apartment
                    complex.  It meant a long drive each day to school, but
                    it was worth it for free rent and a one hundred dollar
                    monthly stipend.  Our first day there, the owner came
                    to our door and told Carolyn to get a bucket and mop. 
                    I asked what that was for.  The owner said that Carolyn
                    was going to clean an apartment and that I needed to climb
                    up to the roof of the third story of the complex and reset a
                    switch for the air conditioner system. 
                  When I objected, she said, "You didn't think you were
                    getting free rent and a salary just for showing apartments
                    did you?"  I reminded her that that was our agreement
                    and she indicated that it was being changed.  I thanked
                    her and told her we would be out in one hour.  I rented
                    another trailer, went to the Work Force office and hired two
                    men and we moved. 
                  These fifty-year-old memories are crystal clear in our
                    mind.  What at the moment seemed like a crisis, over
                    the next four years it was a blessing as it would have been
                    impossible with only one car to work out the details of
                    transportation to and from Carolyn's teaching job and my
                    classes. 
                  Again, ironically, on January 22, 1973, I was in a clinical
                    rotation at Fort Sam Houston Beach Pavilion when the word
                    spread over the facility that former President Lyndon
                    Johnson had been brought into the emergency room.  He
                    had died at home.  I was not in the building where he
                    was brought but it was just one more remarkable event which
                    marked our time at UT Health. 
                  On the first day of medical school, we had an assembly in
                    the main auditorium.  Forty-three-years later, due to
                    the benevolence of a friend, that auditorium would be named
                    after Dr. and Mrs. James L. Holly.  This portrait hangs
                    in that auditorium today. 
                   
                    
                  In 1975, I began moon lighting in the emergency room at
                    Christus St. Elizabeth in Beaumont, Texas, and in 1976 moved
                    my young family, including our two children, two dogs, a cat
                    and a bird to our home for the next 45 years. 
                  The years have been filled with wonderful, sometimes sad,
                    and sometimes glorious, memories.  It has never crossed
                    our minds to live anywhere else.  We have never had any
                    regrets about our choice of where to raise our family. We
                    have given our best to this community and we have received
                    back the best the community has to offer. 
                  As we attend the 50th Anniversary Gala in San Antonio later
                    this month, we will retrace our trip which we made in 1976
                    when we moved to Beaumont.  We will sit with some of my
                    professors who taught me medicine and we will visit with
                    classmates who made a different journey to the same
                    destination forty-nine years ago.  We will celebrate
                    the remarkable advances which UT Health San Antonio has made
                    from a two-building campus to a packed landscape of
                    world-class facilities for teaching students, training
                    doctors, researching new treatments and treating patients. 
                  Carolyn, our family and I look back on these last fifty
                    years with awe and wonder for the honor of having the
                    privilege of being a physician and for having the joy of
                    serving this community.  And, when we soon offer our
                    valedictory to the Golden Triangle, it will be with
                    unfettered and unconditional thanksgiving and gratitude. 
                 
               
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            - My Valedictory Address and the
                    Announcement of my Retirement By James L. Holly, MD Your
                    Life Your Health The Examiner September 13, 2018
 
                  For twenty-one years -- September 11, 1997 to September 13,
                    2018 --  in columns entitled "Thoughts About Things"
                    and "Your Life Your Health," the owner, editor and publisher
                    of The Examiner have allowed me to write a weekly
                    column in their paper.  I am grateful for that
                    and  in the last of these articles, wish to express my
                    appreciation and gratitude to them for this privilege. 
                
                It is inevitable that all things come to an end
                    and as I announce my retirement from Southeast Texas Medical
                    Associates, LLP, I present my final column for The
                      Examiner.  In these twenty-one years, this
                    column has discussed exciting innovations in healthcare,
                    announced transformative initiatives in the delivery of that
                    care, discussed public health issues and policies and
                    examined many health issues.  All columns are
                    catalogued at www.jameslhollymd.com
                  (soon to be changed to JLHollyMD.icloud.com. 
                As time goes by, the information in these columns will become
                  dated, but they will always reflect the foundation and the
                  history of Southeast Texas Medical Associates, LLP (SETMA),
                  which can name among other honors being named as "one of
                  thirty exemplar practices in the United States by the Robert
                  Wood Johnson Foundation". 
                Thank each one of you who has read this column and who have
                  encouraged SETMA through these years. 
                Retirement Announcement 
                It is with sadness and regret that I announce my retirement
                  from Southeast Texas Medical Associates, LLP and from the
                  practice of medicine in Southeast Texas, effective December
                  31, 2018. 
                November 4, 2018, I turn 75 years-of-age.  When asked I
                  have always assured others that I intend to work until I was
                  eighty.  That was my intent, but circumstances prevent
                  that from happening.  Over the past three years, SETMA
                  has experienced economic pressures caused by Health and Human
                  Services' (HHS) CMS's reduction over the past seven years of
                  the reimbursement for Medicare Advantage by twenty-eight
                  percent, aggravated by the Affordable Care Act tax on the
                  funds paid to the HMO, which tax cost the IPA in which SETMA
                  participates, $1,700,000 annually.   
                With my years in solo practice in Beaumont, I have practiced
                  in this community for 43 years.  These have been
                  wonderful years for me and for my family. 
                A principle of organizational life is that when change is
                  made, the most constructive thing old leadership can do is to
                  step aside and wish the new leaders the best.  This I
                  do.  SETMA is well prepared to proceed into the future,
                  true to its values and aware of the challenges which need to
                  be faced. 
                I am proud of SETMA.   I am proud of the decisions we
                  made and how we have conducted our practice.  SETMA has
                  done things which no one has ever done and the things we have
                  done which others are now doing, we did before almost
                  anyone.  We have also cared for the most vulnerable and
                  needy people in our community.  I am proud of that. 
                  The partners of SETMA even funded a Foundation which helps
                  provide care for patients. 
                As I write these words my mind races across the past
                  forty-three years.   Mental images appear of thousands of
                  individuals whom I have cared for, worked with, or
                  known.  I wish I could begin naming them, some living,
                  some long since gone, but all cherished in memory.  HIPPA
                  and the inevitability of omitting important people makes it
                  impossible to name names. 
                These years have been rich and rewarding.  There are
                  many things which I know I could or should have done better,
                  but where I failed it was never for want of trying.  I am
                  comforted and challenged by the words of President Theodore
                  Roosevelt who said: 
                "It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out
                  how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could
                  have done them better.  The credit belongs to the man who
                  is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and
                  sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, and comes
                  short again and again, because there is no effort without
                  error and shortcoming; but who does actually try to do the
                  deeds; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions,
                  who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in
                  the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst,
                  if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his
                  place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know
                  neither victory nor defeat."  Theodore Roosevelt,
                  "Citizens in a Republic," the Sorbonne, Paris, France, April
                  23, 1910, quoted in The Man in the Arena, ed. John Allen Gable
                  (Oyster Books, 
                 N.Y, Theodore Roosevelt Association, 1987), p. 54) 
                There is not a community in which I would rather have spent
                  my career than in Beaumont, Texas and the Golden
                  Triangle.  As a young man and wife with two young
                  children, two dogs and a cat, my family arrived in Beaumont in
                  1975.  And, now forty-three years later, at the end of a
                  long career, we do not think of "moving" to a retirement
                  center but we look forward to spend all of our coming years
                  doing what we have always done in a different venue but in
                  Beaumont.  We look forward to the adventure of realizing
                  who we are in a new arena.  And when our time is done,
                  our resting place will be in Beaumont, Texas. 
                Due to the circumstances of my retirement, I will not have
                  the option of practicing medicine in Southeast Texas, at least
                  not for the next five years, but I can continue to perform my
                  most important roles which are to practice my faith in Jesus
                  Christ, to perform my vows to my wife of fifty-three years,
                  Carolyn Ann Bellue Holly, to love my children and
                  grandchildren and to reintroduce myself to the health and
                  wellness center.  I do not fear for my well-being there,
                  but I am anxious for the Center's staff's emotional stability
                  when I appear. 
                As I try to put this announcement in context, I recall that
                  in 2008, Carolyn and I were in England when we lost an
                  extremely valuable object.  The manager of the Connaught
                  asked, "Dr. Holly, you don't seem to be very upset about
                  this?"  I responded, "Oh, I am disappointed but that
                  object can be replaced, or it can be lived without; if I had
                  lost my wife that would be something to be devastated over."
                    
                And, so it is now, as I make this transition, it is
                  disappointing to me and I suspect it will be to others that I
                  am retiring, yet to be "fair and balanced," there may be some
                  who sigh and think, "I'm glad that's over."  But, the
                  reality is that what is fundamentally and ultimately important
                  in my life is not changing.  As a result, while my heart
                  is heavy, my face is smiling and my mind rushes about
                  imagining the future. 
                The reality is also that the name SETMA will continue, the
                  management will not change significantly, the care available
                  will continue to improve and it will still be a very good
                  place to work and to perform the act of "health caring" for
                  others.  Change is always stressful, but if we take a
                  deep breath and believe in who we are, "this too shall pass."
                    
                The closest biblical reference to such an affirmation is II
                  Corinthians 4:17-18 which states:  "For our light
                  affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far
                  more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;  While we
                  look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which
                  are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but
                  the things which are not seen are eternal." 
                It is my hope and expectation that all of the staff and
                  professionals in SETMA will remain and will be committed to
                  the same values and standards which have been our credo for
                  the past twenty-three years, all will find a new iteration of
                  who and what they are in this great community and practice. 
                And so, I bid you adieu which in its origin meant "to
                  God."  It is not good-bye as each of you will always be a
                  part of our lives and hopefully we of yours.  We will be
                  as close as our prayers, our memories and our hopes and
                  dreams.  God bless each one of you. 
             
             
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                - From Debbie  Morrell
 
                  Dear Dr. Holly, 
                  I am like Mary Henrich, and always look at your emails
                    first. They, and you, have inspired me over the years, and
                    invariably given me an unexpected lift when I really needed
                    one and a reminder to always strive to be my best self
                     - and honestly, I save them and go back to them often.
                     Your devotion to your lovely Carolyn, your consummate
                    kindness; your genuine caring for others; your wonderful and
                    warm smile from a face that shines with joy; and your
                    exemplary generosity, in every way, are but a few of the
                    many things I admire about you. 
                  I hope this transition will allow more time for you and
                    Carolyn to be with us here in San Antonio.   
                  You are a bright light for medicine and the world, and we
                    are truly blessed to have your enduring legacy as a
                    significant part of the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School
                    of Medicine at UT Health San Antonio!    
                   The comments and good wishes from people who love and
                    admire you from across the world are testament to your
                    impact --- and are almost as remarkable as you are. You have
                    paid much good forward, and so many of us owe you so
                    much.  
                  Love to you and Carolyn, 
                  Debbie  Morrell 
                 
               
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      - Dale Fontenot
 
         
        Final Column for Your Life Your Health September 13, 2018 
         
        The announcement of your retirement, although a surprise, has not hit me
        like the words "Final Column" has hit me today. For more than 15 plus
        years I have had the privilege of working with you on a weekly basis,
        both as a contractor and an employee...In that time I have cared for a
        chronically ill wife and I have buried that wife, I have suffered
        loneliness and I have found a new love that I have taken for my wife.
        All these changes occurred while I continued to serve you and SETMA. 
         
        The money I have earned over all those years has gone to supporting my
        family in many different ways and has been very much appreciated. 
        When I was at that lowest point in my life, SETMA (you) gave me hope
        that things would get better and I have never forgotten that. 
         
        I will miss working with you weekly as much as I will miss my lovely
        wife asking me every Thursday "Did you get the article finished?" but I
        will also be available should you need help with any future
        endeavors.  So, with this reply to you, at least as far as the
        weekly articles go, Done for the final time. Dale  
     
  
      
        
          
              
                - 
                  
Ross Shauberger 
                     
                    A physician's response upon my retirement.  I met
                    this physician when he was a five-year-old patient.  He
                    told me at 5 that he wanted to be a physician. I shook his
                    hand and told him he could be.  He almost joined SETMA 
                     
                    Howdy! 
                     
                    I was chatting with Laura today, and she told me you were
                    retiring. I would first like to say congratulations. Your
                    lifetime of striving to build a practice that not only
                    serves the community that you adore, but also has inspired
                    and ministered to more folks than you will likely ever know.
                    In truth, you don't need some young, snot nosed Internist to
                    tell you these things. You know your worth and are likely at
                    peace with the extraordinary life you have lived.  
                     
                    I do think it is important however to express my gratitude
                    to you. You see, you have served as a stalwart mentor to me,
                    even if you were never aware of this fact. You gave me a
                    gift a few years ago. The gift of opportunity. I will always
                    be grateful for that gift. Although I was lead in a
                    different direction, I truly believed that our paths crossed
                    for a very important purpose.  
                     
                    You showed me the boundless opportunity for hope within the
                    practice of medicine. I took those lessons to Virginia,
                    where I have helped build a successful Hospitalist practice.
                    The success we have enjoyed has been predicated on the
                    principal that People are the key to building a successful
                    team.  
                     
                    Well, I won't take of anymore of your time. I wanted you to
                    know that you made a difference in this Doctor's life.  
                    God Bless You Dr. Holly.  
                     
                    Regards, 
                    Ross 
                     
                    Ross Shauberger, DO 
                    Board Certified Internal Medicine, ABPS 
                    Internist/Hospitalist  
                    Internal Medicine Faculty 
                    Johnston Memorial Hospital, Abingdon, VA 
                 
               
             | 
          Index | 
         
      
     
    
      - 
        
History of UT Health San Antonio Long School of Medicine 
          Larry 
           
          Thank you for including me in this email communication.  
           
          I had no where near the personal contact with these remarkable
          educators as you but I can share with you several notable encounters. 
          As I have previously related to you my first day on the Med school
          campus started with a private meeting with Dean Panhill where he
          welcomed me to the class entering the fall of "69 and in my presence
          signed my letter of acceptance. He offered to help assist my needs in
          any way he could and I felt enormously reassured. 
           
          Dignified to the point of elegance and with enormous aplomb is how his
          image remains in my memory and he had the cleanest, neatest white
          jacket I have ever seen. It seemed to glow but then that was probably
          his aura. 
           
          My first encounter with Dean Taylor was over the phone. I was visiting
          my wife's family in Weimar, Texas where my beloved father in law and I
          were planning to go dove hunting. 
           
          The phone rang and Dean Taylor asked my mother in law if I was there
          and could he please speak with me. It was the most important call I
          have ever received as he informed me that despite the fact that the
          academic year had begun several weeks earlier there was currently an
          opportunity for me to join the class if I was interested understanding
          there would be special challenges to overcome.  
           
          I immediately packed up, headed for San Antonio and lived with Jack
          Harvey and Jay Hoecker in the hospital until my family got moved into
          some apartments on Fredericksburg road. I saw Dean Taylor off and on
          thereafter and his soothing bass voice was always reassuring. He was a
          good man. 
           
          These two men were superheros 
           
          To me. 
           
          Dr Cander was a tough dude. He wanted nothing less than excellence
          from all of us and I'm still not so sure that his eastern roots didn't
          in some way influence his view of us Texans. I had to take an oral
          exam hosted by Dr Cander regarding the recognition and management of
          CHF. He wasn't terribly pleased with my explanation. I felt bad days
          later but I never forgotten the lessons learned that day and the
          section of cardiology was clearly staffed by some brilliant
          physicians. 
           
          Regarding your eminent retirement I wish to extend to you my
          congratulation on a long and productive career in you chosen community
          and your specialty. 
           
          I cannot imagine any graduate from our class having contributed more
          to well being of so many patients who have been fortunate enough to
          have you supervising their medical care. 
           
          I have the very greatest respect for you as a person and as a
          physician. 
           
          No one in our class more thoroughly epitomizes the successful
          application of the education we received 69-73. 
           
          No one in our class will better represent the legacy of our experience
          in medical school at the upcoming celebration. 
           
          To you I wish all the best. 
           
          Dennis Toland 
       
      - 
        
Dante Rangel 
        Prelude 
        "By creating a legacy, by living a life worth
            remembering, you become immortal." Bousman and Whannell; 2005 
         It is with a heavy heart that I acknowledge the sudden
          retirement of Dr. Holly. He is someone I admire greatly and it pains
          me to know that this decision was not of his own choosing. The quality
          of care he provides is not something that can be replaced, especially
          not by a larger corporation. It is by no means that I degrade or
          attack the character of the physician that replaces him but I know
          that it is impossible for someone to provide his degree of care. His
          EMR is something that should be celebrated and used nationwide. It is
          a poor choice of any company to terminate its use and an even worse
          decision for the patients and the providers that once relied on it. I
          want Dr. Holly to know that he has already gone beyond the typical. He
          isn't one to resign himself to the norm and his life's work reflects
          this. But the story isn't over quite yet, he has instilled in each of
          us what it truly means to be human and it is up to us to carry his
          influence out into the world. 
        Shadowing Dr. Holly 
        Being invited to shadow Dr. Holly was a welcome but unexpected
          occurrence. My father and Dr. Holly met some years ago in Santa Fe, an
          event that forever changed my path forward. I admit I trembled as I
          read the email invitation. The past few months have been tumultuous
          for me. I was rejected from medical school in late February and lost
          my grandfather shortly after in late March. It weighs on me heavily
          knowing that he never had the opportunity to see me succeed after his
          years of sacrifice, a fault that lands squarely with me. I had no idea
          what to expect really. Beaumont in a sense was far away from my scope
          of view and I never believed I would have the chance to work with Dr.
          Holly with his busy schedule. In the middle of July it was decided, I
          was to shadow him. 
        Monday morning, 6:30 sharp, I arrived outside of Dr. Holly's office
          on Calder Ave. Before I even had time to collect my thoughts I locked
          eyes with a man who was waiting for me outside. It was Dr. Holly
          himself. 
        The first day at the office was overwhelming to say the very least.
          From the very moment I met Dr. Holly I admit I was intimidated. Not
          because he was rude or offending, it was because of his eminence. Here
          was a man who has dedicated his life to the betterment and protection
          of others. Someone I would consider a genius and I had the opportunity
          to shadow him. "What would he think of me? How should I act?" These
          were some of the many questions that I tried to think about, but with
          Dr. Holly there was no moratorium. Instantly we entered a conversation
          of my background, my skills and academic performance. He had bigger
          plans for me. He wanted to talk to some medical school deans and
          garner information to aid in what appeared to be my never ending dirge
          of a journey. And suddenly it was 7:30. In a flash Dr. Holly informed
          me that we would be traveling to the nearby town of Lumberton. When we
          arrived he introduced me to his team for the day. Soon the first
          patient arrived and that is when the day truly began. 
        I was in awe at his speed. Immediately Dr. Holly was on the move,
          careful to make sure each patient was seen quickly. This was directly
          contrary to what I was used to, physicians letting their team do all
          of the work. Once we were inside he introduced me to another one of
          his treasures. His EMR. It was incredibly comprehensive and was the
          culmination of a lifetime of work fueled by the need and desire to
          shrug off mediocrity. The entire system was geared towards maximizing
          efficiency and assisting the patient in documenting their special
          needs. What impressed me the most had to be the heart study that was
          included in the EMR. This study ran probability to predict the
          outcomes patients could expect if they changed specific things in
          their lives. This astounded me. In all of my days shadowing I had
          never seen an EMR of this caliber. Everything else paled in comparison
          and seemed clunky, inefficient, and most importantly, a massive waste
          of time. It was clear that Dr. Holly was unlike any physician I had
          ever shadowed before. Lunchtime came and I had the lovely opportunity
          to meet his wife Caroline.  This meeting was unfortunately brief
          as she informed me that she was needed in Louisiana to help take care
          of her mother and then soon, we were back to Lumberton. 
        As we were returning Dr. Holly reminded me of the devastation
          hurricane Harvey had wrought. Devastation that was still very much
          real for many people here even though mentions of the damaging
          Hurricane were now nothing more than whispers. A great deal of
          patients we had seen in the morning had been affected and to be honest
          I was disgusted. I was aware of what the "outside world" thought of
          many of the people here. A twisted caricature that they had created to
          demonize the people that supported an ideology they might not
          personally agree with. People they would consider "white trash". I was
          disgusted because these were people first and foremost. Not
          ambassadors of an ideology. People that needed our help and Dr. Holly
          did an amazing job embodying the exemplar of what not only a physician
          should be, but what we should be as people. Looking beyond petty
          squabbles and reaching into what really matters, the support of our
          fellow man. He made them laugh, smile, and most importantly, trust
          him, a boon in a time where it seems like many physicians forget about
          the importance of empathy. Dr. Holly would finish with: "Now here is
          my personal number. I want you to call me on "this day' so you can
          tell me how you are doing." Unbelievable, is the only word I can use
          to describe this. 
        It was less than 24 hours into my stay with Dr. Holly and I could
          feel that I was forever changed as a person. The days progressed at
          lightning speed with Dr. Holly at the helm, blazing along in a
          tireless surge. By this time I was already exhausted and mystified by
          his seemingly unyielding fervor. My experience with Dr. Holly ended
          with an incredible trip to Avery Island in Louisiana to visit the
          Tabasco factory. On this trip I was able to speak to him about so many
          different things and being 74 years young, I knew he had the
          experience and wisdom I was looking for. He counseled me on my dreams,
          my progress, and my skills. I admit that it hurts knowing that I have
          been trying to get into medical school for so long and sometimes I
          feel that I am not worth it or not capable. Dr. Holly made it very
          clear that I was not a fraud and was someone he saw not only doing
          well but excelling in this field. I can tell you that it has meant so
          much to me to hear these words from someone that I look up to. I am
          forever grateful to him for this opportunity and I will remember it
          eternally. 
        Dr. Holly embodies everything that I want to be. From his endless
          wealth of historical knowledge, to the love of his fellow man, his
          disdain for mediocrity, ambivalence, and his tactful entrepreneurial
          skills. He is the kind of person that only comes about once every few
          generations. There are few words that can describe someone as
          mercurial as him and where words fail, only an epithet will do. As for
          now, I know that this experience has changed me for the better and I
          can only hope that I will have another chance to get to know Dr.
          Holly, the ineffable. 
        -Dante N. Rangel, 11/09/18 
       
      - 
        
My Granddaughter Holly Victoria's Note About her Grand's
            stories  
           
          I am going to pick my package up today because I was super busy
          yesterday with school and homework 😭  
           
          I miss y'all so so much. I love you and Grandy immensely. I am beyond
          thankful for the opportunities y'all have given us throughout our
          lives. 
           
          Along with the opportunities, I am thankful for the guidance, morals,
          and advice y'all have awarded us along the way. 
           
          Growing up and hearing Grandys stories always seemed to be repetitive,
          but I have since been using almost all of them in everyday life
          without even knowing about it. 
           
          I was asked in a homework assignment last week to recount the best
          advice I was ever given and grandy's story about the possum and
          unintended consequences immediately came to mind. 
           
          Without realizing it I had been applying that story to everything I
          was doing for the past few years. I just wanted to thank y'all for
          going above and beyond for all of us 💙 
           
          Holly's Grandmother's response 
           
          Holly, you can't imagine what this note means to me & Grandy.
           That's, all We need from our life, our grandchildren knowing God
          and living successfully bc of faith in God.    
           
          You have made my day.  We have been through some tough days.
           Grandy is retiring Dec. 31st & not bc he wanted to.
           Very unpleasant time for us. 
           
          Holly Victoria's response about Retirement.  
           
          I am so sorry to hear that. I got Grandy's email and was concerned
          about it. But just like y'all have taught us, God has a plan and
          reason for everything. It may not be what we all want or what we think
          we need. But He knows the plans he has for us.  
           
          I can't imagine how Grandy must feel as I know he doesn't but
          like his job, but LOVES it. I love y'all so much 💙 
       
     
    
      
        
          
            - 
                
Retirement Response Mark Toups 
                     
                    Larry, 
                     
                    Our community both lay and professional benefit from your
                    insights and drive past, present and future. Pray Stanley
                    Kunitiz poem gives pause to consider "where to what next"
                    Carl Sandburg. Stanley wrote his last poem The Round at age
                    100. 
                     
                    From The Round: 
                     
                    I can scarcely wait till tomorrow 
                    when a new life begins for me, 
                    as it does each day, 
                    as it does each day. 
                     
                    Sandburg moved at age 65 beginning a new season in an
                    extraordinary journey writing Honey and Salt 
                     
                    Can love be locked away and kept hid? 
                    Yes and it gathers dust and mildew 
                    and shrivels itself in shadows 
                    unless it learns the sun can help, 
                    snow, rain, storms can help 
                    birds in their one-room family nests 
                    shaken by winds cruel and crazy 
                    they can all help: 
                    lock not away your love nor keep it hid. 
                     
                    Carl Sandburg, from Honey and Salt 1963 
                     
                    The Layers 
                    Stanley Kunitz<https://www.poets.org/node/44308>,
                  1905 - 2006 
                   
                  I have walked through many lives, 
                  some of them my own, 
                  and I am not who I was, 
                  though some principle of being 
                  abides, from which I struggle 
                  not to stray. 
                   
                  When I look behind, 
                  as I am compelled to look 
                  before I can gather strength 
                  to proceed on my journey, 
                  I see the milestones dwindling 
                  toward the horizon 
                  and the slow fires trailing 
                  from the abandoned camp-sites, 
                  over which scavenger angels 
                  wheel on heavy wings. 
                   
                  Oh, I have made myself a tribe 
                  out of my true affections, 
                  and my tribe is scattered! 
                  How shall the heart be reconciled 
                  to its feast of losses? 
                   
                Respectfully, 
              Mark Toups 
             
           | 
          Index | 
         
      
   
    
      
        
          
              
                - 
                  
Valedictory 
                    November 29, 2018 
                    Southeast Texas Medical Associates, LLP 
                    By James L. Holly, MD,  
                    CEO, SETMA, LLP  
                  A valedictory is a farewell address on an occasion of
                    "leave taking," but, what do you say when you stand before
                    people with whom you have shared life for twenty-four to
                    seventy-five years?  It is impossible to name each one,
                    although in the coming years, many of you will be written
                    about. 
                  As I stand here before you on the occasion of my "leave
                    taking" of SETMA, I remember seminal points in my
                    life.  I don't remember the first time I met my mother
                    and father " I was very young " but my first memories of
                    them were the same as those I have years after their
                    deaths.  They were wonderful and bigger than life to
                    me. 
                  I remember how my life was defined by an experience when I
                    was four-years-old in 1947.  My father borrowed a
                    wooden boat and we went fishing on Little River in Central
                    Louisiana.  There were four of us and only three seats,
                    so as the youngest, I sat in the bottom of the boat.  I
                    did as any four-year-old would do, I rocked the boat. 
                    That would come to be a metaphor for my life as in the
                    intervening years I have rocked many boats. 
                  My academic career started when I was five-years-old in the
                    first grade.  I couldn't count but my neighbor could,
                    so my success in the first grade was "borrowed" from
                    him.  In the second grade, when I was six, I discovered
                    that I couldn't see, and I was introduced to the world of
                    corrective lenses.  My world became larger and clearer. 
                  When I was ten, I attended 4-H camp at Camp Grant
                    Walker.  I was awarded the outstanding camper only
                    because I could work harder and longer than anyone
                    else.  This was the second seminal moment which would
                    define my life.  I learned, you don't have to be very
                    bright, if you are willing to work hard, and if you are
                    willing to keep up the hard work up over a long period of
                    time. 
                  At twelve, I started high school, which at that time was
                    the 8-12 grades.  In math class, I had my third seminal
                    moment.  The teacher publicly told each student what he
                    thought about them.  Before the entire class, he said
                    to me, "Larry, you'll never be a leader.  You'll always
                    do what other people tell you to do."  All of my life,
                    I have worked to lead, direct and drive progress and
                    development wherever I worked.  In 2012, the Medical
                    Group Management Association (MGMA) named me a "Change
                    Agent." Earning that designation required  me "rocking
                    the boat," working harder than anyone, and setting the pace,
                    the direction and the goals everywhere I worked. .  
                  As a seventeen-year-old, I started Texas A&M College in
                    pre-veterinary medicine.  In October 1961, I trusted
                    Jesus Christ as my personal Savior, an experience which
                    would define the rest of my life.  In 1986, I repeated
                    that history to a public meeting in Beaumont.  A lady
                    in the audience turned to the young woman sitting next to
                    her and said, "That's the most disgusting thing I have never
                    heard."  The young woman said, "I know, that's my
                    Daddy!" 
                  In 1962, at eighteen and a sophomore at Northwestern State
                    College, I saw the "girl" who would change my life.  I
                    met her shortly after that.  That "girl," Carolyn Ann
                    Bellue Holly, sits here tonight as my wife of nearly
                    fifty-four years.  At twenty, I spend the summer in
                    Kenya, East Africa and in October 1964 spoke to 2,000
                    students at the state Baptist Student Union
                    Convention.  I addressed civil rights and racial
                    prejudice.  My message was not well received. 
                  In May 1965, Carolyn and I graduated from NSU and in August
                    1965, we married and started the adventure which would lead
                    us to this evening.  Just saying these words brings a
                    smile and joy to my heart.  Through the years, upon
                    occasion Carolyn would say, "Sometimes it's not easy being
                    your wife;" to which I would respond, "Sometimes it's not
                    easy being me."  Other than my experience of personal
                    salvation, our marriage is the most important, significant
                    and rewarding experience of my life.  And, our alma
                    mater, where we met and fell in love, to this day is an
                    important part of our lives. 
                  While a graduate student at Baylor, Carolyn and I decided
                    to go to Medical School.  At that time, it never
                    occurred to me that we would not be successful, but looking
                    back now, I realize how improbable even acceptance to
                    medical school could be.  We graduated in 1973, having
                    had both of our children in those four years.  UT
                    Health San Antonio Long School of Medicine has been and
                    remains a central place in our lives.  It may sound
                    strange to some for me to say that "we" graduated, but we
                    did it together.  Carolyn sat on a stool and read late
                    at night when I was dissecting a cadaver.  She worked
                    and made our home while "we" went to school. 
                  In 1975, we moved to Beaumont.   We have never
                    thought about leaving Beaumont and in fact we have our
                    family cemetery plot designed and paid for, so we will never
                    leave.  Not surprisingly, when we were invited to join
                    the Country Club, we asked if African Americans and Jews
                    could join.   
                  After twenty-two years in solo practice, Drs. Wilson,
                    Finley and I founded Southeast Texas Medical Associates,
                    LLP.  Over the next twenty-three years August 1,
                    1995 to November 29, 2018 -- through thick and thin, we
                    built a premier multi-specialty medical practice and help
                    lead the transformation of healthcare in America. 
                  Like other innovators and transformers, we pioneered
                    electronic medical records, the application of analytics to
                    healthcare and the adoption of the patient-centered medical
                    home model of care.  We developed and built electronic
                    solutions to the most complex healthcare challenges. 
                    SETMA has been presented multiple citations for excellence
                    in healthcare delivery.  
                  SETMA has taken care of the most vulnerable patients and
                    through the SETMA Foundation have supported the care of our
                    patients who could hot otherwise obtain care.  It is
                    these whom I think of tonight and for whom I hope the best
                    in coming years. 
                  In the past nearly forty-six years, people have come and
                    gone.  My mind races across the years remembering the
                    people whom I have cared for and truly loved and who are not
                    with us tonight.  Each one has enriched our lives and
                    we are grateful for them. 
                  No matter the difficulties which have brought us to our
                    present circumstances, nothing can rob us of the memories,
                    experiences, joy and triumphs of these years.   
                  I, as you, have often played the "what if" game. 
                    "What if," this had changed, or, "what if" that had
                    changed.  "What if" I had stayed at Texas A&M; I
                    would not have met Carolyn" that would have been a
                    tragedy.  "What if" we had moved somewhere other than
                    Beaumont, our children would not have met their spouses, and
                    that would have been a tragedy.  We would not have the
                    eight remarkable young people we call "grandchildren"                    and they are "grand" and that would have been
                    disastrous. 
                  I have always wondered, "What if" life were not like
                    Solitaire.   What if the game does not turn out
                    well, you could go back and make a different move and get a
                    different result?   Unfortunately, as in
                    Solitaire, in life there are no opportunities to try a
                    different move and get a different outcome.  However,
                    in the Holly family, there is no desire for any "what
                    ifs."  There is nowhere, the Holly Family would make a
                    different choice, not out of hubris or complacency, but out
                    of contentment and gratitude. 
                  Tonight, I am grateful to God for my faith, my family, my
                    friends and I am grateful for Beaumont, for SETMA and for
                    the forty-three years we have spent in this community. 
                    I would not change anything out of the knowledge that if we
                    could change one negative experience, it would be at the
                    expense of all of the good ones, which are overwhelmingly
                    the nature of five decades.  If any change would mean
                    not having known Beau, Hannah, Holly, Elizabeth, Emma, Kate,
                    Richard Everett, and Wyatt, then thank you, no."  We
                    will celebrate the life we have known, with the good, the
                    bad and the ugly. 
                  But what about the future?  We don't know; but, we
                    know the One Who does.  Carolyn and I will find a new
                    way of relating as I will not leave home between 2 and 4 AM
                    each day.  We will have a face-to-face relationship
                    rather than telephone conversations and quick lunches. 
                    I smile as I think this because for me that will be
                    wonderful, but for Carolyn ¦well, "sometimes it's hard
                    being my wife." 
                  We will have more time to spend at our undergraduate
                    school, Northwestern State University, and at our medical
                    school, UT Health San Antonio Long School of Medicine. 
                    We will teach and write and visit.   We will read
                    and write.  We will probably go to Lamar University and
                    study French.  I would like to write a novel, or two,
                    or three.  I wonder if each of you will recognize
                    yourself.  "Let not your heart be trouble" as my
                    memories filters conflict or difficulties and I remember
                    only our best. 
                  The truth is, Jimmy Steward is not the only one who can
                    confess, "It's a Wonderful Life." 
                  Carolyn, on August 7, 1965, we both said, "For better or
                    for worse."  It may frighten you a little, but it is
                    thrilling to me, to say to you, "Now, more than ever, I am
                    yours, alone, for better or worse."  Due to the
                    benevolence of our God, I know it will all be for "the
                    better."   
                  To the rest of you, I say, "Thank you for the
                    memories."  We will always truly love you and be
                    thankful for you.  The phrase, "God bless you,' is not
                    a social custom.  It is a fervent prayer for you and
                    all those you love, that the richest blessings God has in
                    His storehouse will be yours today and for every day of your
                    life." 
                  Farewell, dear friends and colleagues.  God speed to
                    you. 
                  James L. Holly, M.D. 
                  CEO, SETMA 
                 
               
             | 
          Index | 
         
      
     
    
      
        
          
              
                - 
                  
James (Larry) Holly, M.D. 
                  A difficult heart wrenching task  
                  As I prepare to make the biggest transition I have ever
                    faced in my life, I am experiencing many "firsts" and
                    "lasts."   Preparing to conclude a 46-year career of
                    practicing medicine, particularly in the face of having to
                    sign a five-year non-compete in order to protect the welfare
                    of hundreds of people I deeply care about, this morning I
                    face the need to fulfill a requirement of the Texas Medical
                    Board which is to write a letter to all patients I have seen
                    in the past two years notifying them of my withdrawal from
                    practice.  
                  Through my career, I have written many such letters for
                    others but it is different when I and my career I are the
                    subjects.   Surprisingly, the stress of this task is
                    not created by the noble, well funded and strong people in
                    this number, they will be fine. I will miss them, but I
                    don't worry about them.   
                  The people I worry "for," and I mean "for" and not "about,"
                    are those who have special needs, or who are difficult to
                    care for.  One of my roles in my practice over the
                    years has been as a "last resort."   When a person had
                    been dismissed from care by everyone else, I was the "last
                    resort."    
                  The following is about my first contact with one such
                    person which started with the addressing of the fact that
                    this was the end of the road. If they could not "get along
                    with," or "cooperate with" me, they would have to find
                    healthcare somewhere else.  Not surprisingly, some on
                    my dearest relationships arose out of this exchange and
                    challenge.    
                  As I write this, a man comes to mind who is deceased. Just
                    prior to my seeing him for the first time he was being
                    dismissed from our practice.  Through the years we
                    became close and I miss him. He had serious health problems
                    but once you pierced the thin veneer of hostility and anger,
                    he was a delightful man.   
                  Dozens of faces come to mind as I write this and I
                    smile.  One lady was a whiner.  One day, many
                    years ago, she was in the hospital and began to whine "at
                    me."  I said to her, "if you whine at me once more, I
                    am going to strangle you in that bed."  (O.K., before I
                    get a thousand letters objecting to this approach, I agree
                    it was not ideal.).  Her response?   She stopped
                    whining and said, "Doctor, can we discuss my
                    condition?"  And, we did.   
                  There are children with disabilities who are difficult to
                    care for but whom I love. There are many who make me proud
                    to be a part of a society which cares for and provides for
                    people who have nothing to give except to give us the
                    opportunity to love people who frequently are unlovely if
                    not even unlovable.    
                  I will write the letter, which fortunately is prepared
                    electronically which means that the tears will not stain the
                    paper.    
                  Carolyn and I have been blessed.  And, I say "Carolyn and
                  I, "because for many of you the excellence of the care you
                  have received has been the result of her tireless advocacy for
                  you for 46 years.  
               
             | 
          Index | 
         
      
     
    
      - 
        
Carolyn Holly 
        This is dearer and more professionally validating & heart warming
          than anything you have written so far.  And, yes, I merit your
          accolades of/to me; I did advocate for your dear people called
          patients.  We are a good team. 
       
     
    
    
      - 
        
Carolyn Holly 
        Theresa, your words of honor and respect comfort.  Thank you for
        taking this opportunity to offer words of esteem & encouragement. 
         
        The person that you have become, that you are assured that our life, our
        influence will live on.  You make us proud!n And yes, God only
        knows what is in His plan which is our future. 
         
        We are available to & for you if you ever have need. 
         
        This is a most difficult assault on our person; But no more so than
        Calvary on our Lord, who was a perfect man.  We are not, but it is
        hurtful none-the-less. 
         
        Mrs. Holly  
       
      - 
        
Ruth Berggren 
        Dear Dr. Holly 
        My heart weeps with you for the circumstances of this parting from
          your practice, as well as for the loss and sadness you are
          experiencing. Last night we heard from Reverend Dr. Kenneth Kemp, a
          physician and senior pastor at Antioch Baptist Church. I wish you
          could have been there to hear him. He spoke at the conclusion of a
          lengthy community meeting held at UT Health in our academic learning
          and teaching center.  
        We had heard about the continued rise of maternal mortality in the US
          despite continuing declines in comparable nations. We examined the
          disproportionate burden of this morbidity and mortality on black women
          and considered its root causes from all angles. We heard about support
          and treatment programs from experts on opioid addiction and about Dr
          Charlotte Guillory's Honey Child program in Houston churches. (Honey
          Child provides health education and wrap around social support for
          expectant mothers to decrease rates of infant prematurity and neonatal
          mortality.)    
        Dr. Kemp provided our call to action, noting that losing a wife or a
          mother or a daughter to childbirth is a condition of desperate pain ,
          but in our nation it is also disparate pain. Offering the example of
          how songwriter Thomas Dorsey looked to his faith for divine strength
          in the face of desperate loss, Dr Kemp concluded remarks by telling
          the story behind the circumstances of this song:  
        Precious Lord, take my hand 
          Lead me on, let me stand 
          I'm tired, I'm weak, I'm lone 
          Through the storm, through the night 
          Lead me on to the light 
          Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home 
        When my way grows drear, precious Lord linger near 
          When my light is almost gone 
          Hear my cry, hear my call 
          Hold my hand lest I fall 
          Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home 
        The song was written in the setting of desperate pain. You can read
          the story here: 
        https://www.google.com/amp/www.staugustine.com/article/20141106/LIFESTYLE/311069943%3ftemplate=ampart 
        I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand," Isaiah 41:13 
        Dr. Holly-there is so much to be done in the world of ours and you
          have so many gifts. I am certain you will find much more light along
          your journey.  
        Your friend, 
          Ruth 
       
     
  
    
      - 
        
Carlos Roberto Jaén, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.A.F.P. 
           
          My thoughts and prayers are with you and Carolyn as you face this
          difficult task.  It is hard for me to imagine when that time gets
          here for me.  May you rejoice in the knowledge that you used your
          talents for the benefit of those in need.  Their friendship, love
          and affection for you will last a lifetime and beyond. 
           
           Thank you for your great example. 
           
           With much respect and gratitude, 
          Carlos 
           
          Carlos Roberto Jaén, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.A.F.P. 
          Professor and Chair of Family and Community Medicine  
          The Dr. and Mrs. James L. Holly Distinguished Chair, Patient-Centered
          Medical Home 
       
      - 
        
Julie McClure - SETMA Nurse Practitioner 
        I have no idea what you must be feeling. You have accomplished so
          much to be proud of and I know God has other plans for you too! 
          I truly wish you much happiness going forward.  
       
     
    
    
      - 
        
Rubén Rangel 
        Dr. Holly even in your emotional struggles you continue to inspire. I
          wish I had but a small measure of your intellect, faith, and
          greatness. Because of you, I try to be a better man. Remember all
          things will come and end and mostly not by our choice.  
        You have done wonderful things as a physician. Your patients will
          never forget you. I struggled mentally and physically when I was
          forced out of my dream job. I know what you are going through.  
        Time will help heal your wounds, but the hurt will never completely
          go away. Your life work will stay with you the rest of your life. It's
          okay to cry. We all pray for you and Carolyn. Stay busy and focus on
          other things. Remember we have a dinner date in Santa Fe. 😍 
       
      - 
        
Bryan Stephenson 
        I've always admired your openness and honesty about SETMA and the
          reflections on your life. It seems like some of this post could be
          woven into your farewell letter to those you care for. It was always a
          pleasure when you rounded at Baptist, always with a smile and a joke,
          all peppy even though it was about 3:30 AM. Best wishes. 
       
      - 
        
From the wife of my dearest friend, Ron Fittz. who died over
            30 years ago 
        Larry and Carolyn, So surprised to hear you are "retiring" but hardly
          believe that word is in your vocabulary! 
         It just gives you more time to minister as you have always done
          in your life. Our family has been truly blessed many, many
          times     
          In your ministry. (From milkshakes to monetary gifts thru
          foreign missionaries.) you will now have the time to double or even
          triple these ministries.  
        "Retirement" has allowed us more time for family-our most precious
          ministry. I pray for more blessings for the two of you than ever
          before! Love the two of you greatly!  
        Sherry 
       
      - 
        
Gary Voydanoff 
        Dr. Holly, 
        I hope you and your family are doing well.  I wanted to pass
          along my personal contact information below as July 31 is approaching
          fast and it will be my last day at NextGen.  
        You've had an enormous impact on my personal and professional life
          these last 18 years at NextGen.  You helped build the foundation
          of this company in so many ways that it's impossible to list them all.
         
        As God unfolds this mosaic we call life I have no doubt he put you in
          my path for a reason.  I'm blessed to know you and call you a
          friend.  
        I hope to continue to receive your  SETMA updates, I always
          enjoy reading them.  I pass some of them along to my son who has
          just completed year one of his medical school journey.  I still
          hope that he can meet you some day.  
        As I move to my next professional challenge I hope that my travels
          will bring me to Beaumont.  Please stay in touch.  
        In Christ, 
        Gary Voydanoff 
       
      - 
        
In San Antonio for UT Health 50th Gala  
           
          Yesterday, Carolyn and I repeated one of our favorite journeys.
           We reversed a trip which we made in August, 1975, when we drove
          from San Antonio to Beaumont, Texas.  We have always loved
          returning to San Antonio.  This is where our roots are. Carolyn
          commented this morning, "I could move back here."  
           
          This morning, I read aloud my November 22, 1968 letter-of-acceptance
          to the 1969 entering class.  We both marveled that at that time,
          with only nine months before we had to move to San Antonio, I had 19
          semester hours of science to complete.  Carolyn responded, "Only
          you!" 
           
          Finishing the reading of that letter and as I read the name and saw
          the signature of F. C. Pannill, M.D., I smiled.  Almost five
          years later, the entire graduating class protested his signature not
          being on our diplomas.  I then showed Carolyn my "my little black
          book," which I produced between 1970-1973.  It was my attempt to
          bring to bear upon patient care "what is known," a process I carried
          to its logical conclusion in the design of an electronic medical
          record twenty-three years later. 
          Today, the anticipation of the 50th Gala, feels me with joy. I am
          particularly delighted that this celebration will be led by the only
          man, William Henrich, M.D., I have known, whom I believe reflects the
          character, the elegance, the standards and the nobility of the
          founding dean. 
           
          Carolyn and I love our school and we are grateful to all of those who
          made the Long School Of Medicine what it is today and that lists is
          long (no pun intended).  We are grateful for all who allowed us
          to be part of this history.  Thank you; it is not false humility
          for us to state that we have always felt unworthy of the opportunity
          and the career given to us.  Nevertheless, we continue to be
          grateful for both, and have worked with diligence and dedication to
          repay this debt of gratitude.  
           
          We look forward to tomorrow night  
           
          God bless you all,   
          James (Larry) Holly, M.D.  
          C.E.O. SETMA 
       
      - 
        
In anticipation of the Long School Of Medicine and UT Health
            San Antonio 50th Gala - From UT Health San Antonio President Dr.
            Bill Henrich  
           
          Larry, 
           
          You and Carolyn are an inspiration to me and to your many friends and
          colleagues here.    I have told you many times that a
          priceless gift I will always treasure is the day our paths crossed.
               
           
          To see your transformational success in Beaumont created after your
          time at our exceptional School of Medicine is a lift to our spirits.
            
           
          You and Carolyn need to have a celebratory night tomorrow night ---
          you both have more than earned it.  I hope the evening meets your
          expectations.      
           
          With great respect,   
        Bill 
       
      - 
        
After Retirement Notice  
        An awkward situation which arose after the announcement of my
          retirement with an employee being treated badly- note from executive
          leaders 
           
          R.   .............your giving her the
          money.  It is so much a part of your character and your
          generosity in situations like this is so common that sometimes I
          believe I fail to mention them. I did not want to fall into
          complacency and not praise a man when he is deserving of it. 
          Thank you for defining the spirit that has governed this business for
          the last 24 years.  The three of us will do our best to follow in
          your footsteps and continue your work taking care of patients and
          employees alike. 
           
          M.    Here here I totally agree.
          ..... was overwhelmed that you sent the money. I have witnessed your
          generosity over the years and am always impacted by your
          thoughtfulness  
           
          J.   Couldn't agree more. 
       
     
    
      
        
          
            - 
                  
A worthy reflection at the end of my career by Joe
                      Bill Holland, MD 
                
                http://www.jameslhollymd.com/Your-Life-Your-Health/pdfs/Address-to-Freshman-Weekend.pdf 
                Address to Freshman Weekend 
                  By James L. Holly, MD 
                  Your Life Your Health 
                  The Examiner 
                  March 29, 2007 
                (Author's Note on March 24, 2007, the University Of Texas
                  School Of Medicine at San Antonio  this author's alma mater
                   held Freshman Weekend to introduce the class of 2011 to
                  the School of Medicine. The following is Dr. Holly's address
                  to this class as the President of the Alumni Association) 
                I envy you, but it is not your youth that I envy  I envy
                  that you are the inheritors of the experiences and
                  achievements of the first 40 years of our School of Medicine
                  and I envy that you have your lifetime to compound that
                  inheritance. You are the recipients of the legacy and of the
                  trust estate of two generations of students, alumni, faculty,
                  administrators and staff of the University Of Texas School Of
                  Medicine at San Antonio. 
                Furthermore, you face the challenge and opportunity of a time
                  when medicine has a greater capacity to change the lives, the
                  health and the future of those to whom you minister your art
                  than in any previous generation. You have a virtual tabula
                  raza upon which to record your contribution to the history of
                  your college and to the advancement of your profession. 
                As you consider your opportunity and your obligation, picture
                  the scene portrayed in Chariots of Fire, when the Master of
                  Caius (pronounced "Keyes") College, University of Cambridge,
                  speaking to the Freshman Dinner in 1918, said: 
                "I take the war list and I run down it. Name after name,
                  which I cannot 
                  read and which we that are older than you cannot hear without
                  emotion. 
                  Names which will be only names to you, the new college, but
                  which to us 
                  summons up face after face, full of honesty, and goodness,
                  zeal, vigor and 
                  intellectual promise. The flower of a generation, the glory of
                  England, 
                  and they died for England and all that England stands for and
                  now, by 
                  tragic necessity, their dreams have become yours. 
                Let me exhort you, examine yourselves; let each of you
                  discover where 
                  your chance of greatness lies; for their sakes, for the sake
                  of your college 
                  and your country. Seize this chance, rejoice in it, and let no
                  power or 
                  persuasion deter you in your task." 
                By 2011, you of the new School of Medicine will have laid the
                  foundation for who you will be as healthcare professionals.
                  You will have collected the experiences and the memories which
                  will guide you in your quest for greatness. 
                Hopefully, you will have learned the skills of collegiality
                  and collaboration which must supplant the competitiveness
                  which has brought you this far. It is sage counsel to admonish
                  you: Seek greatness; not conquest; seek greatness; not
                  surmounting others. It is in building and in participating on
                  a healthcare team, and in working for the success of that team
                  that each of you will have the greatest chance of greatness.
                  Greatness is not 
                  defined by winning or by wealth; greatness is defined by
                  honesty, goodness, zeal, vigor and of intellectual promise
                  fulfilled in service to others. 
                Hear and remember the words of Dr. Peter Senge of MIT: 
                "Most of us at one time or another have been part of a great
                  "team,' a 
                  group of people who functioned together in an extraordinary
                  way  who 
                  trusted one another, who complemented each others' strengths
                  and 
                  compensated for each others' limitations, who had common goals
                  that 
                  were larger than individual goals, and who produced
                  extraordinary 
                  results. 
                I have met many people who have experienced this sort of
                  profound 
                  teamwork  in sports, or in the performing arts or in
                  business. Many say 
                  that they have spent much of their life looking for that
                  experience again. 
                  What they experienced was a learning organization. The team
                  that 
                  became great didn't start off great  it learned how to
                  produce 
                  extraordinary results." 
                Recognize and embrace the debt you incur when you accept the
                  opportunity of membership in the class of 2011 Watch another
                  scene in your mind as in the movie, Saving Private Ryan, the
                  title character, tremulously, now in his seventies, approached
                  the headstone of Captain John Miller who gave his life that
                  Ryan might live. 
                In perhaps the most poignant moment in a great film, tears
                  streamed down his face as Ryan plaintively said to his wife,
                  "Tell me that I have lived a good life; tell me that I have
                  been a good man." The sacrifice of others imposed upon Private
                  Ryan a debt only a noble and honorable life could repay.
                  Everyone owes such a debt to someone. The circumstances of
                  that debt may not be as dramatic, but it is just as real. 
                There are few gifts as great as that of the opportunity to be
                  a physician. Caring for others has always been a sacred trust.
                  It is a trust which should cause each person so honored to
                  tremble with fear that he or she will not have lived worthily
                  of that honor. It should cause us to examine our lives for
                  evidence that we have been good stewards of the treasure of
                  knowledge, skill, experience, and judgment which has been
                  bequeathed to us by our university, by our professors and by
                  the public which funded our education. 
                What nobler calling could one have than the opportunity to
                  collaborate with others in their quest for health and hope?
                  The honor of trust and respect given by strangers, who share
                  their deepest secrets, knowing they will be held sacrosanct,
                  is a gift which exceeds any pecuniary advantage. The pursuit
                  of excellence in the care of others is a passion which is
                  self-motivating. 
                Passion is the fuel which energizes any noble endeavor. It is
                  what makes a person get up early in the morning, work hard all
                  day, and go to bed late at night looking forward to the next
                  day. It is a cause of great sadness that today's society is so
                  devoid of true purpose driven passion. Sadly, many only
                  vicariously experience passion through the eyes and lives of
                  athletes, movie stars, or musicians. Yet, ultimately,
                  personally-experienced passion and purpose are what make life
                  worth living. Those of us who have been allowed the privilege
                  of being physicians, can and should know the passion of a
                  noble purpose every day of our lives. 
                Never has there been a time when a physician's knowledge and
                  skills could have more positive impact upon the lives and
                  futures of others. Never has there been a time when the role
                  of the physician has been more defined by the concept of
                  "team," in which each participant - doctor, patient, family,
                  nurse, clerk and others  coalesce into a vanguard against
                  illness and pain. 
                Now, well into the last half of my career, I do not crumble
                  by the headstone of one who has given his life for mine, but I
                  do stand humbly before the cornerstone of my life as a
                  physician. I stand there grateful to God, to my parents, to my
                  wife and children, to my University of Texas School of
                  Medicine at San Antonio, to my professors -- among many, Drs.
                  Pannill, Taylor, Wesser, Beller, Fuller, Forland, Gold, Sears,
                  George, 
                  Persellin and Cander -- to medical school class mates who
                  challenged me with their abilities and drive. Each has
                  contributed and continues to contribute to the passion and
                  drive born of the honor of being a physician. 
                The tale is not yet told as to whether you and I shall have
                  been faithful to this great honor, but it is a responsibility
                  which motivates me daily and which must motivate you. To our
                  university and to all who have contributed to the honor of our
                  being physicians, we say, 
                "Thank you." 
                Today, you begin accumulating a debt of gratitude which can
                  only be repaid with your excellence in service to all who seek
                  your medical counsel or care. As the President of the Alumni
                  Association of the University Of Texas School Of Medicine at
                  San Antonio, I 
                  welcome you; I applaud you and I admonish you. Under the
                  leadership of our new Dean and of the faculty, your school
                  will make you proud  it is your responsibility between now
                  and two thousand eleven and for a life-time afterwards, to
                  make your school proud. In two thousand eleven, I shall
                  purpose to return for your commencement and inquire as to how
                  well you have pursued your chance of greatness. 
                James L. Holly, MD 
                  President, Alumni Association 
                  University of Texas School of Medicine, San Antonio 
                  CEO, Southeast Texas Medical Associates, LLP 
                  www.jameslhollymd.com 
                Wonderful speech spoken from experience, love, and
                  passion...you passed the torch to these new doctors, and your
                  imprint will be felt not just in Southeast Texas, but
                  literally all over the world. Not many folks can say that.  
                With great pride, 
                Joe Bill Holland, MD 
             
             
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          Index | 
         
      
   
    
    
      
        
          
              
                - 
                  
Dana Melancon  
                     
                    I'm not sure if Charles Vessels was able to relay to you an
                    accurate depiction to my response when he let me know of you
                    wanting me to be a part of your retirement gala...and I'm
                    not sure I can fairly do it through text. 
                  But please know that in all of my broadcast career, and
                    over the hundreds of emcee jobs, judging events, and panels
                    that I have been asked to be a part of, I teared up a bit
                    when Charles said the kind things to me from you. 
                  I've been in Southeast Texas all of my life, and there are
                    a select few individuals that I am in awe of. And you are
                    certainly in the top 3. You were instrumental in my early
                    years at Channel 4 in putting us on the map with the first
                    state of the art radar. 
                  You have the unique ability to possess all of the grandeur
                    of the biggest of dignitaries, and at the same time, you mix
                    it up with me in the funniest of ways. I consider that to be
                    the most valuable trait a man can have. 
                  I hope I'm relating my feelings accurately to you, because
                    I respect EVERYTHING that you've stood for, and continue to
                    represent. Even though we haven't talked on a regular basis
                    like in years past, I've always had a feeling that I could
                    come to you anytime and be comfortable.  
                  With that said, I so truly respect your friendship Dr.
                    Holly, and you're right. You can't afford my fee. I mean,
                    really, who COULD afford all of the awesomeness that I will
                    bring to your event? 
                  C'mon. If you're looking for a "second rate" emcee, I can
                    track down Jay Leno's number or Bill Cosby....well, he might
                    be delayed a bit.  
                  Dr. Holly, If you would grant me a cup of coffee and some
                    conversation every so often, that's pay enough. I'm truly
                    honored that you thought of me.  
                  I'm here for anything that you need. 
                     
                    Dana  
                 
               
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          Index | 
         
      
     
    
      - 
        
Dr. Peggy Wolfe 
        Good Morning Dr. Holly 
        It was an absolute pleasure meeting you and Carolyn.  I could
          see that the two of you have a very special relationship many
          only wish they could have.  As Ann has already said, you are a
          remarkable man with so much wisdom about life and healthcare. 
          You've done so much and have so much yet to do.  I can only
          imagine how much you will miss your practice world but  I know
          you will find a way to impact the lives of many more in the
          future. 
        Thank you for all your references! am planning  to
          read them very carefully as well as request a copy of the
          Fifth Dimension. Thank you as well for your generous
          contribution to our graduate program.  We are so excited to have
          been thought of by you for this honor..... 
        Peggy L. Wolfe, PhD, RN 
          Dean and Professor 
          College of Nursing and Health Professions 
          McNeese 
        http://www.jameslhollymd.com/Your-Life-Your-Health/northwestern-state-university-commencement-address-2016 
       
      - 
        
Jennifer Leger 
        Hi Dr. Holly, 
        It was wonderful meting you, Carolyn, Pat and Brandon as well. Thank
          you again for the SETMA Foundation's generous gifts to endow a
          scholarship for nurse practitioners and for Brandon's education. Your
          thoughts on the gift of giving and the discipline of giving resonated
          with me and will stick with me throughout my career and life. 
        Best, 
          Jennifer 
         Jennifer Leger ('06, '13) 
          Planned Giving and Donor Research Specialist 
          McNeese University Advancement 
          Box 91989, Lake Charles, LA 70609 
       
      - 
        
Virginia Ann Warner  
        Good Morning, Dr. Holly --  
        I thoroughly enjoyed meeting you and your wife Friday and want to
          again thank you for establishing the scholarship for our students.
          Nurses are fortunate that they can work while in school, but it is
          difficult for them to negotiate employment, family, and school
          responsibilities at the same time. Dr. Dilks and I plan to award the
          scholarship to a Texas student who has progressed to the clinical part
          of their education because clinical education responsibilities make
          employment more difficult during that portion of their education. 
        I am awed by all that you have done in your life and think your NSULA
          commencement speech reinforces many of the values you shared with us
          at lunch. The NSULA students were lucky to have heard it.  As you
          were talking at lunch I thought of several examples of how McNeese
          students and faculty give back to McNeese as well. It is amazing that
          seemingly small contributions can grow so much over time.  
        I have ordered The Fifth Dimension for some semester break
          reading. Systems thinking is important for health care providers at
          all levels to understand. 
        Again, thank you. It was a pleasure meeting you. 
        Ann Warner 
        Ann Warner, PhD, RN. CNE 
          Professor and CoCoordinator 
          Graduate Nursing Program 
          McNeese State University 
          550 East Sale Road 
          Lake Charles, LA 70609 
       
     
    
      
        
          
              
                - 
                  
Reverend John Davis 
                  Do you recall that day many years ago back in your office
                    on 10th street which I asked for us to become "blood
                    brothers" (by having our fingers pricked and touching blood
                    to blood)?  Shortly before this I had for the first
                    time began genuinely to miss that I would never have "a real
                    brother."  You smiled at my request, saying we already
                    were brothers.  While I am grateful to God for the
                    privilege to live long enough and well enough to develop
                    some wonderful friendships, there is for me a profound sense
                    in which you are in a category of one.  I treasure
                    that; you are SPECIAL. 
                  November 4 is arriving this Sunday.  What a SPECIAL
                    weekly day (Sunday) for you to become 75!  Genesis 12:4
                    allows us to know that Abram's great faith journey began at
                    this age.  I write this because I believe God is
                    offering the same thing to you ... a new beginning ... one
                    that will prove to be SPECIAL indeed. 
                  The moment I learned in an email from you that there was to
                    be a "divorce" between SETMA and you I began special prayers
                    for you concerning this.  As the founder and chief
                    human "father" of SETMA, your soul is intertwined with
                    it.  I imagine that this "divorce" is even more like
                    "death" for Carolyn and you.  I say this in terms of
                    feelings.  How could you not feel under-appreciated ...
                    rejected ... unloved by people whom you have received,
                    promoted and helped to prosper? 
                  I believe, as you do, that God superintends.  He did
                    not cause this, but He has allowed it.  AND He
                    definitely know how to use it for good!  I promise you
                    He would not have allowed this door to close without
                    planning in His time and His ways to open a larger door for
                    you.  SPECIAL!  To use the example of standing on
                    a ladder, one where the step you have been on is giving way,
                    God smiles and says "come up higher, My son"! 
                  I believe God has both MORE and BETTER for you. 
                    SPECIAL! 
                 
               
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          Index | 
         
      
     
    
      - 
        
History of Concert Grand Piano and Naming for Sara and Hugh
            Thompson 
           
          Dr. Holly: 
        Thank you so much for sharing your comments about your personal
          musical 'journey' and your role in helping Lamar acquire our new Sara
          and Hugh Thompson Steinway grand piano.  I felt especially
          privileged to be invited to the luncheon yesterday which brought
          together the primary parties involved in that project. 
        It has been a joy and a privilege to have gotten to know your
          personality as well as your professional expertise in my regular
          visits to SETMA.  It was especially enjoyable yesterday to hear
          you share your story with the other guests. The Lamar community has
          benefited greatly from your generosity, but not as much as our region
          has benefited from the gift you have given the Golden Triangle in the
          form of SETMA.  It has been rewarding to watch its birth and
          growth under your stewardship.  Both Pat and I have marveled at
          your important achievements over the years, improving the lives of so
          many Southeast Texans. 
        Our very best wishes to you and Carolyn in your future endeavors! 
        Bob (and Pat) Culbertson 
        Robert M. Culbertson, Jr., DMA 
          Mary Morgan Moore Department of Music 
          Lamar University 
        http://www.jameslhollymd.com/Letters/dedication-of-the-sara-and-hugh-thompson-steinway-grand-piano 
       
      - 
        
Martha-Marti Rollo Leonard 
        This note is from the daughter (Martha-Marti Rollo Leonard) of one of
          my mother's dearest friends.  Carolyn and I taught her at
          church when she in high school.  This was before Carolyn and
          I ever dated.  Her note is very perceptive.  
        She mentions Dr Robert Sills who was our physician for many
          years.  He and his wife were two of my parents' dearest
          friends.  Dr Sills was my ideal of a physician.  
        One weekend in 1974, I covered the ER at Natchitoches Parish
          Hospital.  At one point a car accident was brought in with 7
          victims.  As I began triaging them, Dr Sills came into the ER. I
          was relieved, help had arrived.   
        To my surprise, he stood by the desk and watched.  I passed the
          test successfully dealing with all of the patients with no help.  
        When Dr Sills died, Mrs Jo Sills asked me to memorialize him. 
          It was a joy, a pleasure and an honor.  
        To be compared to Robert Sills by Martha is a great honor.  
        The Note  
        Larry, I read your post the day you announced your retirement. 
          I was surprised and a little sad.   
        You seem to give so much thru your practice.  I am sure many
          people are sad with the announcement.   
        I may be wrong, but feel this was not quite the schedule you planned.
            
        I am positive the next chapter in your and Carolyn's life will be
          blessed. I wish at some point I could have been near enough to have
          had you as my Physician... 
        you remind me of Dr. Sills...you gave it your all and more, both in
          your practice and in your private life.  
        I am privileged and honored to have had Carolyn and you as part of my
          life at a time I was struggling with just staying alive.  
        Your entire family has always been a valued part of my family. Bless
          you. 
       
     
    
      
        
          
              
                -  John Vardiman
 
                   
                  As I start the week which will conclude with my retirement
                  from the practice of medicine, I am reviewing many aspects of
                  the past 46 years.  The following is a note dated
                  February 14, 2013, from Dr. John Vardiman about his experience
                  with SETMA and me. 
                   
                  2/14/13 
                   
                  I was 66 years old and wanted to practice maybe another 2 or 3
                  years.  I joined SETMA and stayed with them twelve years. 
                   
                  SETMA was a shock.  First, I had to master the EMR (which
                  to my 5 year old grandson would have been literally child's
                  play) but to me was a major hurdle.  My brain and the"
                  electronic brain" just seemed to have a hard time getting on
                  the same wave lengthy. But Dr. Holly walked me through it and
                  walked me through it over and over and finally I began to get
                  it. 
                   
                  One day, the computer fell out of its track and bounced off
                  the floor and I thought to myself, "There you ungodly hunk of
                  ceramic chips; I've finally killed you!"  It blinked
                  green, stuttered, then blinked  blue - when I replaced
                  it  in the rack it kept right on working (only a mild
                  concussion) and I thought myself - "You can't kill them if you
                  try!!   
                   
                  Well, truth is of course these are fantastic machines (damn
                  them anyway) and they have helped make SEMTA what it is) 
                  SETMA & Dr Holly are now recognized world wide (yes world
                  wide) as an authority on EMR!   
                   
                  My first weekend on call at SETMA was cultural shock. 
                  SETMA had about 6 docs then and there over  60 hospital
                  patients!!  I'd been seeing at most 12 patients in a
                  weekend call; so even with three SETMA doctors on call, I was
                  seeing 20-30 patient on weekend calls - all of whom were very
                  sick.   
                   
                  I felt like an intern again.  But medicine (always the
                  jealous mistress) has you dutifully falling into line and
                  pretty soon that "chore" became the joyful burden - (a burden
                  only, I think, the physician can appreciate and understand.)  
                   
                  Now, an American primary care doc, if he's going to make a
                  living, has to see a minimum of 25 patients a day.  At
                  this point in time, in the US, 10,000 people turn 65 years old
                  every day, so the primary care doc doesn't lack for customers! 
                   
                  Wouldn't it be nice if when you go to HEB to grocery shop and
                  you're handed your bill of $50 you just hand the clerk $25 and
                  say, that's what you get today thanks and good bye. 
                  That's the situation today for the American doctor.  And
                  if you don't like it, well you can to Truck Driver School at
                  Lamar. 
                   
                  It only cost $200,000 and eleven years of education after high
                  school to get a medical license but it takes a full six months
                  to get a truck driver license and a truck driver can easily
                  make as much as the average primary care doctor makes. 
                  I'm sure the hard working third world doctor would laugh at my
                  pathetic complaining! 
                   
                  Now Dr. Holly and D r. Wilson have created the only
                  multispecialty clinic in Southeast Texas (something like
                  herding a bunch of CATS)  and made it very successful
                  .   I'm proud to be one of those cats.  
                   
                  Dr. Holly. traveling for years to Boston and working with
                  Joslin Diabetes Clinic, has had the Joslin Clinic make SETMA
                  its SE Texas s affiliate -- a truly remarkable feat.  The
                  Joslin Clinic is considered the world's best diabetes care
                  clinic.  What an honor for all of us is SETMA. 
                   
                  SETMA made me a better doctor and a better person.  Dr.
                  Holly has set the bar high for himself and we all have had to
                  stretch every day to try to hurdle that bar.  
                   
                  SETMA has cared for me as if I were the aged patriarch,
                  though, through my wife's' three critical illnesses, through
                  my amputation episode.  They have been extremely generous
                  with me, all the while heaping upon me more respect and esteem
                  than I deserve. 
                   
                  Thank you, Dr. Holly and SETMA. 
                 
               
             | 
          Index | 
         
      
     
    
      
        
          
              
                - Final Draft of Dr. Holly's
                    Address on November 29, 2018 at Retirement Dinner
 
                   
                  (note added - before I begin, let me say, with the Presidents
                  of the UT Health Science Center in San Antonio and of
                  Northwestern State University sitting here,  "If I had to
                  choose between the Distinguished Alumnus Awards both have
                  given me, and hearing my wife's words, I would choose to have
                  a wife who could and would say such things about me." 
                  Thankfully, I don't have to make that choice and I say
                  unashamedly and publicly, "Carolyn, I love you and thank God
                  for you." 
                   
                  Valedictory is a farewell address on an occasion of "leave
                  taking," but, what do you say when you stand before people
                  with whom you have shared life for twenty-four to seventy-five
                  years?  As I look around this room, I see hundreds of
                  people who are dear to Carolyn and to me and, yet, you are
                  also representative of many thousands who have contributed to
                  our lives.   
                   
                  I see the Cowards and the Collins, dear friends and
                  patients.  I see the Stones and I see Lanell, with whose
                  husband, Mark, I started SETMA. I see the four ladies -
                  Rebecca, Cheri, Sandra and Conteaka -- who have staffed my
                  clinic and collaborated in the care of patents.  And, I
                  remember those who preceded them in the practicing of
                  medicine.   
                   
                  I see my family and close personal friends who have shared the
                  joys and heartaches of the past 43 years. 
                   
                  It is impossible to name each one, although in the coming
                  years, many of you will be written about.   
                   
                  The good news is that even though our professional status is
                  changing, our personal relationships will continue.   
                   
                  I want to thank each one of you for honoring Carolyn and me
                  with your presence tonight.  I am tempted to start naming
                  you, but that would inevitably overlook many who are important
                  to our story. 
                   
                  Therefore, I resist the temptation and silently thank God for
                  each one of you. 
                   
                  As I stand here on the occasion of my "leave taking," I
                  remember seminal moments
                  in my life.   
                   
                  
                    - I don't remember the first time I met my mother
                        and father - I was very young - but my first
                      memories of them were the same as those I have years after
                      their deaths.  They were wonderful and bigger than
                      life to me.
 
                     
                    - I remember how my life was defined by an experience in
                      1947 when I was four-years-old.  My father borrowed a
                      wooden boat and we went fishing on Little River in Central
                      Louisiana.  There were four of us and only three
                      seats, so as the youngest, I sat in the bottom of the
                      boat.  
 
                       
                      I did as any four-year-old would do, I rocked
                        the boat.  That would come to be a metaphor
                      for my life as in the intervening years I have rocked many
                      boats. 
                     
                    - My academic career
                      started when I was five-years-old in the first
                      grade.  I couldn't count but my neighbor could, so my
                      success in the first grade was "borrowed."  In the
                      second grade, when I was six, I discovered that I couldn't
                      see, and I was introduced to the world of corrective
                      lenses.  My world became larger and clearer.
 
                     
                    - When I was ten, I attended 4-H camp at Camp Grant
                      Walker.  I was awarded the outstanding camper only
                      because I could work harder and longer than anyone
                      else.  This was the second
                        seminal moment which would define my life. 
                      I learned, you don't have to be very bright, if you are
                      willing to work hard, and if you are willing to keep up
                      the hard work over a long period of time.
 
                     
                    - At twelve, I started high school, which at that time was
                      the 8-12 grades.  In math class, I had my third
                        seminal moment.  The teacher publicly told
                      each student what he thought about them.  Before the
                      entire class, he said to me, "Larry, you'll never be a
                      leader.  You'll always do what other people tell you
                      to do."  All of my life, I have worked to lead,
                      direct and drive progress and development wherever I
                      worked. 
 
                       
                      In 2012, the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA)
                      named me a "Healthcare Change
                        Agent." Earning that designation required me
                      "rocking the boat," working harder than anyone, and
                      setting the pace, the direction and the goals everywhere I
                      worked.  
                     
                    - As a seventeen-year-old, I started Texas A&M College
                      in pre-veterinary medicine and experienced my fourth
                      seminal moment.  October 10, 1961. I trusted
                        Jesus Christ as my personal Savior, this would
                      define the rest of my life.  
 
                       
                      Twenty five years later, in 1986, I related that history
                      to a public meeting in Beaumont.  A lady in the
                      audience turned to the young woman sitting next to her and
                      said, "That's the most disgusting thing I have never
                      heard."  The young woman said, "I
                        know, that's my Daddy! 
                     
                    - In 1962, at eighteen and a sophomore at Northwestern
                      State College, I saw the "girl" who would change my
                      life.  Over the next several months we became good
                      friends.  
 
                       
                      That "girl," Carolyn Ann Bellue Holly, sits here tonight
                      as my wife of nearly fifty-four years.   
                     
                    - At twenty, I spent the summer in Kenya, East Africa and
                      in October, 1964 spoke to 2,000 students at the Baptist
                      Student Union Convention.  I addressed civil rights
                      and racial prejudice.  My message was not well
                      received.
 
                   
                   
                  In May 1965, Carolyn and I graduated from NSU and in August,
                  we married and started the adventure which would lead us to
                  this evening.   
                   
                  Just saying these words brings a
                    smile to my face and joy to my heart.  Through the
                    years, upon occasion, Carolyn would say, "Sometimes it's not
                    easy being your wife;" to which I would respond, "Sometimes
                    it's not easy being me."   
                   
                  Other than my experience of personal salvation, our marriage
                  is the most important, significant and rewarding experience of
                  my life.  It is without exaggeration for me to say that
                  it has been Carolyn's influence which has changed a relatively
                  undisciplined and frivolous young man into what he is today.
  
                  Northwestern State College, where we met and fell in love, to
                  this day, is an important part of our lives. 
                   
                  While a graduate student at Baylor, Carolyn and I decided to
                  go to Medical School.  At that time, it never occurred to
                  me that we would not be successful, but looking back now, I
                  realize how improbable even acceptance to medical school could
                  be.  
                   
                  We graduated in 1973, having had both of our children in those
                  four years.  UT Health San Antonio Long School of
                  Medicine remains a central place in our lives.   
                   
                  It may sound strange to some for me to say that "we"
                  graduated, but we did it together.  Carolyn sat on a
                  stool and read late at night when I was dissecting a
                  cadaver.  She worked and made our home while "we" went to
                  school. 
                   
                  In 1975, we moved to Beaumont.  Invited
                    to join the Beaumont Country Club, we asked if African
                    Americans and Jews could join.  We were told that no
                    one had ever asked that.  We responded, "We're
                    asking."  
                   
                  After twenty-two years in solo practice, Drs. Wilson, Finley
                  and I founded Southeast Texas Medical Associates, LLP. 
                  Over the next twenty-three years - August 1, 1995 to November
                  29, 2018 -- through thick and thin, we built a premier
                  multi-specialty medical practice and helped lead the
                  transformation of healthcare in America. 
                   
                  Like other innovators and transformers, we pioneered
                  electronic medical records, the application of analytics to
                  healthcare and the adoption of the patient-centered medical
                  home model of care.  We developed and built electronic
                  solutions to the most complex healthcare challenges.   
                   
                  As a result, SETMA has been presented multiple citations for
                  excellence in healthcare delivery.  SETMA remains the
                  only practice in America which simultaneously held
                  accreditation for Ambulatory Care and Patient-Centered Medical
                  Home by all four organizations which offer such accreditation.
                   
                   
                  With EMR and electronic patient management, SETMA has taken
                  care of the most vulnerable patients and through the SETMA
                  Foundation has supported the care of our patients who could
                  not otherwise obtain care.  Tonight my hope is that these
                  needy and noble people will continue to find excellent care in
                  coming years. 
                   
                  In the past nearly forty-six years, people have come and
                  gone.  My mind races across the years remembering the
                  people whom I have cared for and truly loved, and who are not
                  with us tonight.  Each one has enriched our lives and we
                  are grateful for them. 
                   
                  No matter the difficulties which
                    have brought us to our present circumstances, nothing can
                    rob us of the memories, experiences, joy and triumphs of
                    these years.   
                     
                    And, nothing should rob us of a grateful spirit for the
                    years the partners and staff of SETMA have given me the
                    opportunity to create a laboratory of excellence in
                    healthcare delivery.   
                     
                    Through difficult times over the past three years, SETMA
                    partners and staff have kept faith with those who have
                    entrusted us with their health.   
                     
                    And, through the compassionate spirit evidenced by the SETMA
                    Foundation. through lean times, the partners and staff
                    continued to support generously the needs of this community,
                    often in the face of their own unmet needs. 
                   
                  I, as you, have often played the "what if" game.  "What
                  if," this had changed, or, "what if" that had changed. 
                  "What if" I had stayed at Texas A&M; I would not have met
                  Carolyn - that would have been a tragedy.  "What if" we
                  had moved somewhere other than Beaumont, our children would
                  not have met their spouses, and that would have been a
                  tragedy.  We would not have the eight remarkable young
                  people we call "grandchildren" - and they are "grand" - and
                  that would have been disastrous. 
                   
                  "What if" life were not like Solitaire.   What if,
                  if the game does not turn out well, you could go back and make
                  a different move and get a different result?  
                  Unfortunately, as in Solitaire, in life there are no
                  opportunities to try a different course and get a different
                  outcome.  
                   
                  In the Holly family, there is no desire for any "what
                  ifs."  There is no change the Holly Family would make a
                  different choice, not out of hubris, or complacency, but out
                  of contentment and gratitude. 
                   
                  Tonight, we are grateful to God for our faith, our family, our
                  friends.  We are grateful for Beaumont, for SETMA and for
                  the forty-three years we have spent in this community.  I
                  would not change anything out of the knowledge that if we
                  could change one negative experience, it would be at the
                  expense of all of the good ones, which are overwhelmingly the
                  nature of our last five decades.   
                   
                  If any change would mean not having known Beau, Hannah, Holly,
                  Elizabeth, Emma, Kate, Richard Everett, and Wyatt, then,
                  "Thank you, no."  We will
                    celebrate the life we have known, with the good, the bad and
                    the ugly. 
                   
                  But what about the future?  We don't know; but, we know
                  the One Who knows.  
                   
                  Carolyn and I will find a new way of relating as I will not
                  leave home between 2 and 4 AM each day.  We will have a
                  face-to-face relationship rather than telephone conversations
                  and quick lunches.   
                   
                  I smile as I think this because for me that will be wonderful,
                  but for Carolyn...well, "sometimes it's hard being my
                  wife."  
                   
                  Carolyn and I have been blessed.  And, I say "Carolyn and
                  I, "because for many of you the excellence of the care you
                  have received has been the result of her tireless advocacy for
                  you for 43 years. 
                   
                  We will have more time to spend at Northwestern State, and UT
                  Health San Antonio Long School of Medicine.  We will
                  teach and visit.   We will read and write.  I
                  will probably go to Lamar University and renew by study of
                  French which was suspended 55 years ago.   
                   
                  I would like to write a book or a novel, or two, or
                  three.  Each of the previous comments in this address
                  have a story behind them.  I would like to tell those
                  stories partially to help others learn how to tell their
                  stories.   
                   
                  I wonder if you will recognize yourself in my stories. 
                  Surely the statutes of limitation have run on most of
                  them.  But you are safe as my memories filter conflict or
                  difficulties, and I remember only the best.
  
                  Jimmy Steward is not the only one who can confess, "It's a
                  Wonderful Life." 
                   
                  Carolyn, on August 7, 1965,
                  we both said, "For better or for worse."  It may frighten
                  you a little, but it is thrilling to me, to say to you, "Now, more than ever, I am yours,
                    alone, for better or worse."  Due to the
                  benevolence of our God, I know it will all be for "the
                  better."   
                   
                  To the rest of you, I say, "Thank you for the memories." 
                  We will always truly love you and be thankful for you.  
  
                  The phrase, "God bless you,' is not a social custom.  It
                  is a fervent prayer for you and for all those you love. 
                  It is a prayer that the richest blessings God has in His
                  storehouse will be yours today and for every day of your
                  life." 
                   
                  Farewell, dear friends and colleagues.  God speed to
                  you.   
                   
                  Together we continue our journey.  In different
                  circumstances for sure, we continue our journey, but it
                  certainly will be together. 
                   
                  James L. Holly, M.D. 
                  CEO, SETMA     
                 
               
             | 
          Index | 
         
      
     
    
      - 11.27.2018 Note from J. Parker
        
Dr. Holly, I know it's tough to have "retirement" looming because
          it's not on your terms. Despite that, I know that you will seize the
          opportunity to redefine your plans and that there are great times
          ahead for you and Carolyn. 
        It's a privilege to work with you and to have been along for the ride
          with SETMA. Hope you realize your worth and how appreciated you are,  
        See you Thursday, Jane 
       
     
  
    
      - Carolyn Ann Bellue Holly Retirement Celebration Address November
          29, 2018
 
         
        Alert Alert Alert! 
          It's the WIFE! 
         
        And as it should be, the dynamics in business associations are similar
        to marriage. You don't always agree; you don't always like each other,
        but you work hard toward a common good. 
         
        So as the wife, I have not been a casual observer. 
         
        That being said, tonight this has been a worthy tribute! 
         
        From my standing, I have seen the good, the bad, and now, the ugly. 
         
        Any married couple here this evening would not try to portray their
        marriage, any marriage, as all roses & chocolates. Who would believe
        that? 
         
        So with all the beautiful accolades of this evening and recent days from
        around the world , and, I re-iterate worthy praise, has poured in; I
        would not insult integrity by portraying that all has been rosy. 
         
        It has not been. There have been heart-wrenching obstacles of natural
        disasters, legal disasters, betrayal, crippling government regulation,
        personal disasters, death of a founding partner to cancer, to name a
        few. 
         
        But I have noted and commended your unity of purpose and determination.
        I was impressed and proud of you as you walked together through the
        matter-at-hand. And many times at crippling expense. You went w/o your
        own salaries in order to care for your employees and continued to work
        for the good of your patients. You carried on, undaunted in purpose. 
         
        That being said, I would like to give a few thoughts tonight on the "F"
        word!! 
         
        Bet that gets your attention!!.!! 
         
        The single most asked question of me as we have travelled around the
        speaking circuit of healthcare policy, medical home and informatics in
        management of healthcare, has been, "How do you keep up with him!" 
         
         
        My reply, "I don't!" 
         
        There is a phrase we have heard: "He's a force to be reckoned with."" 
         
        So the "f" word is force! 
         
        The definition is: a push or pull upon an object. Whenever there is an
        interaction between two objects there is a force upon each of the
        objects. Forces only exist as a result of an interaction. 
         
        Let's think a moment about that word.  There is force for good,
        force of nature, evil force, like hate, jealousy, greed, love of money
        which Scripture tells us is the root of all evil.  And we all know
        too well the destructive force of a hurricane and of water. 
         
        There is a force for good like friendship, brotherly love, the
        redemptive force, the creative force... You get the idea. This is not an
        exhaustive rendering. 
         
        There are external forces and internal forces. It
          is an external force that brings us to tonight. 
         
        This was not of our choosing. I have my understanding of the forces at
        play that brought us here, tonight. You can have your own. 
         
        
          - So what is the driving force of a man who rises to make rounds at
            2:30 in the morning?
 
           
          - What is the force of the man who will take a 350+ page book and
            read it in a week-end and condense it to a software template to
            better facilitate management of a patient's care and to be better
            reimbursed for that care?
 
           
          - What is the force behind the man who reduces his own salary by 60%
            in order to care for employees and partners, potentially risking the
            financial stability of his own family for others?
 
           
          - What is the force of a man when gifted $200,000 by a wealthy
            businessman whom he met around SETMA-related affairs, refused to
            take the money for his personal enrichment, but insisted it be put
            in coffers of all partners? He never wanted any hint of impropriety.
            
 
             
            That is a rare man! 
           
          - What is the force of the man
            who comes up with the mantra for SETMA: "Healthcare where your
            health is our only care."
 
             
            I used to tell everyone, "if you are a patient you want him as your
            advocate. Because I have seen him not care about who he offended in
            order to get what was needed for the patient. 
             
            That is the force of a man who is not self-serving. That's the force
            of a man who looks to the needs & cares of others to his own
            hurt. 
             
            The Psalmists says of the righteous man: "He swears to his own hurt
            and changes not." Once he's made the commitment, he stands by it, no
            matter his bottom line. 
             
             That's the force behind this man. 
           
         
        It is the force of integrity, commitment, fidelity, passion, a clear
        conscience. 
         
        That is the force from within; that is the force of character. That is a
        man you can trust & follow, who seeks for the good of others. 
         
        That is why I declare this is a meritorious tribute. 
         
        From where I stand before you tonight, I have walked through every step
        of this. I know of what I speak. 
         
        The Bible says that our lives are "an epistle written and read of all
        men. Written not with ink on tables of stone, but by the spirit on
        fleshly tables of the heart." 
         
        So, Larry, tonight you have heard some of the readings of your life as
        told by others. (Ref. Old television show, "This is your life!" This is
        your life as read & told by others. 
         
        We live in the day where story telling is encouraged. I would dare to
        say every person in this room is a story of our life. 
         
        Larry, without doubt, the epistle of your life, your story will live on
        and impact others for good. 
         
        So I say to all of you, people are reading your life. Words are cheap,
        saying the right things are not the epistle of one's life. It is the
        living, the deeds done. 
         
        Winston Churchill said it best: 
         
        "You make a living by what you get; 
        You make a life by what you give." 
         
        This man gave you his all. 
         
        So with the force of our internal character, we will reckon with this
        forced retirement, just as we have lived our life, with honor,
        integrity, 
         
        So to all of you, I adjure you to choose well because your epistle is
        being written and read. 
         
        Larry, as your wife, I stand to your honor; I stand in agreement; I
        stand in affirmation with all that has been said. 
         
        To all of you, May God bless you. And may the force for good,
        righteousness and peace be with you. 
         
        Larry, the only thing that could make this harder is if you were not at
        my side. 
         
        I leave you with a quote: 
         
        "A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination. But
        when you add to that a literate tongue or pen, then you have something
        very special."   Nelson Mandela. 
         
       
	- Responses to Carolyn’s Address at Retirement
		
Sherry Fittz — Beautiful tribute to you  and to Carolyn. We look forward to enjoying the rest of the epistle being  written. May God continue to bless the two of you. We will have lunch soon! 
    Reuben Rangel — Very well said. Carolyn  did an outstanding job describing you and your work ethic, when most of us  think it but can’t find the words to describe you. Congratulations on your  retirement. Dante told me it was a beautiful event. Sorry o couldn’t make it.  Jesus is calling my mother home. She woke me up early with her pneumonia cough.  She’s asleep now after my attention. God bless you and Carolyn. You all are  wonderful. 
    Janice Hebert — carrie told us what an  eloquent speech you gave and how proud she was. I just read it and I must say  she was right and I am not surprised ! May God bless you both on the next  chapter of life. Love😘  
    Kelly Darden — Mrs Holly is a lovely  eloquent and elegant lady. Her love for you, your children and for SETMA was  evident in her speech last night. 
    Carolyn’s Response to Kelly Darden  — We have all walked through good & bad  things together, caring for each other.   That makes a bond of friendship.   Thank you Kelly  for sharing our  special evening with us. 
    Sylvia Kerl — That’s one very special lady  you have Dr. Holly! Her love for you is apparent to anyone that has ever  watched her look at you - this speech put that “look” into words. Beautiful! 
    Norma Duncan — Nothing to add except I  give thanks to you both and love you both.   Currently in Mandela country and he and all South Africans would be  proud to here you quote him! Laura Duncan says you are also a “force” Carolyn  Holly 
    Math Ramirez — Powerful message provided by  Mrs Holly and yourself Dr James L. Holly .. Love you both and wish the Best on  your new chapters in your Life! 
    Brandon Sheehan — I did not dare get the  microphone because I did not think I would be able to keep my composure. The  one thing I would say from my heart is thank you. Thank you both for so many  things. Your leadership , your guidance, your example, your dedication, your  generosity, and thanks for all the choices you made that created the leader you  are and the friend you have become. I am a better man having known both of you. 
    Jannette Aaron  — Beautiful words to a beautiful soul. You  and Carolyn are the “force” inside your family and your family at work   So proud to call you both friends! 
    Carolyn’s response to Jannette — You have  great insight!  You read our souls  accurately. 
    Alicia Horn Daleo — We are in New York  City and I listened yesterday to people discussing your pioneer-ship of Medical  Home.    I am proud to have worked with  you! And Mrs Holly is a gracious lady! 
    Carolyn’s Response to Alicia — We value  you, Alicia.  You bring credit &  value to us & healthcare. 
    Pat McNeel — Know your proud of your wife,  so thankful we got to know you, you were our great doctor, ya'll enjoy your  your time together now, God Bless. 
    Willie Dell Weaver Boswell — A beautiful  and eloquent speech from her heart. I’ve personally never met another doctor  more caring and committed than you. I will continue to pray for God to direct  your path forward.  
    Charles Daleo — It has been an honor and  privilege to be a part of the SETMA family. 
    Laura Forester— I was stunned at how  thoughtful and well written it was as well as how well spoken she was!  I thought you had amazing talent with your  writing and speaking, but I think she may have even surpassed you in my  mind!  The way you both honored each  other made me proud to know you both and proud that your marriage represents  your faith so very well.  Unbelievably  well done,  Mrs Holly!! 
    Dr Holly — Laura Scott Forester I agree 
    Mary Lee — Beautiful words.  Best wishes to you both!  XX 
    Elizabeth Key — Carolyn, well said!  Excellent speech! 
    Judy South — That was so beautiful. I  don’t know what you two are going through but I do know our God is walking with  you and He has a plan. Walk through the fire of trials with Him and you will  come out on the other side with Him. What a wonderful celebration last night  must have been. I remember well your care of physical and spiritual needs as we  served at NEBC and as we walked through some difficult fires and you were there  for us. When our son had a serious health issue and with prayer, compassion and  leading us to the help he needed he is now a healthy and successful young man.  Force and compassion both describe you. Carolyn quoted Winston Churchill and I  have another quote from him to you. “Never never never never give up.  
    May God shower you and Carolyn with His  richest blessing 
    Paula Davis — Very well done, Carolyn...I'll  share with John. 
    Dana Broussard — The love that each of you  have for Christ, for each other, for our community and for all of those in need  resonated with such passion last night. It is truly an honor to be in both of  your presence. The two of you have made the world more kind and beautiful 
    Kathleen Corley Massey — Whew! That said  it all! Well done, Carolyn. 
    J. W. Bill Phillips — Well written,  lovingly delivered. My compliments to Carolyn....and to you, Larry. 
    Chris Maggio — It was an amazing evening  and such a wonderful tribute to you and your family.  Carolyn did a phenomenal job with her  heartfelt remarks.  Thank you so much for  including me in the ceremony.   Congratulations! 
    Peggy Pitman — Well stated! 
    Brenda Van Dyke 
    Wow - Well stated.   That took courage!  
    I hope you take this well - I don’t think  Nancy Reagan is dead!  I always admired  her for her strong unwavering commitment to stand with her husband during the  good, bad and ugly, no matter the personal cost.  
    You were brave and courageous to speak the  truth.  Believe me - those words will  resound in the minds of the listeners, for good or bad, for a very long time.  
    For good, many will continue to say  “Amen”, for bad, unrest because of their conscience, which can be a living  hell.  
    Now - go rest high upon that mountain,  while you have breath and enjoy ALL that the Lord has for the two of you - and  it is good! 
    Thank you for allowing me to be part of  your journey, prayer wise.  
    Remember: God has you in the palm of His  Almighty Hand. This is only the beginning of a very exciting and rewarding new  journey for you two. 
    Love you my dear friend.  
    Kathy Moore 
    Well I just read  your speech from last night!! All I can say   is this... the Force was  with you!!  
    Beautiful words you  shared and I totally can hear you as I read them!   
    As much as your  beloved was honored and pleased, your Father was honored and pleased!   
  ❤️❤️❤️❤️.....  Kathy   
    Great quote at the  end! Mandela surely knew of a Larry Holly!! Surely he did! 😉  
	Joanne  Brown 
	Thanks for last night –  see my note on the back 
		Dr. and Mrs. Holly, 
	I have had dinner with  Laura and George Bush, Anita and Rick Perry, had dinner at the White House with  the Bushes, had a mass in Pope John Paul II’s private home chapel, followed by  breakfast, has a private meeting with only us and Tom Harkin and Robert  Shuler…Nothing compares to the speeches the two of you gave last night and the  love you shared with me by inviting me. 
	Beverly  Burchett 
    The lioness roared over Beaumont tonight!  Your eloquence pleased our ears, your regality blessed our eyes, your dignity  pierced the atmosphere--sprinkled with grace and honor..tonight you were a  "force"! It has always been our honor to walk by your side, and you  can count on us always. We love you both. I will give Charles your message in  the morning.❤️ 
    Richard  Smith 
    Very well said Mrs. Holly. I could not  make it to the event, but I will say this, Dr. Holly was like a big brother to  me ! He treated me like a friend, more like a family member. The man went very  far in helping me. We were so close we even had a couple of " tiffs"  but would hug each other before my departure from his office. I do love him  like a brother and will miss him immensely! As for you Mrs. Holly you were also  so kind to me. I pray that I will see y'all again. 
    I must say this also, I was treated very  well by all at SETMA 
    Mrs  Faisal Anwar (wife of Syed Anwar, MD, SETMA Partner) 
    Dear Dr. And Mrs Holly, 
    Thank you so much for making us a part of  your evening celebrating Dr. Holly, his life, his work and his accomplishments. 
    Mrs Holly you looked beautiful and were  elegant and eloquent on the stage but I wish I could have done something to  take away the pain that I could hear in your speech and your voice. 
    Dr. Holly, you are a true icon for health  care. Everything that was said in your honor was a true testament to your  character.  I know that SETMA and the  health care industry will not be the same without you, but the legacy that you  have created will live on forever. 
    I wish you both nothing but the best. 
    With love,  
    Mrs Faisal Anwar (wife of Syed Anwar, MD,  SETMA Partner)  
    Dr.  Holly - Retirement – December 8, 2018 
    It has been nine days since our retirement  dinner and it is twenty-three days before my retirement is finalized.   I have had a lifetime habit of processing  things by writing. I have continued doing that for the past four months.  
    Over the past several days, I have been  surprised by an overwhelming feeling of joy and of positive expectations.   These feelings do not yet have a great deal  of substance except in one case. 
    I always have loved and enjoyed my wife  and her company, but since and during medical school, I have been driven by  medicine. Her tolerance of my obsession is legendary but now she is the full  time object of my attention. I love it and I love her.  
    I find that I am more relaxed and  patient.  I have almost an irrational  optimism about the future, not because it is delusional, but because it is not  subject to attack by events.  I have a  joy which seems irrepressible.  I have a  joy which seems to bubble up and to overcome events.  
    And, with a spirit which filters out the  negative, my joy seems unfathomable.   Slowly my relaxation is filled with peace rather than ideas about my  next project, paper or innovation.  And,  my heart — my emotion — is comfortable with that.  
    This also allows me to be thankful for the  past 46 years without disturbance from recent events  
    It will be interesting to see how this  progresses.   
     
	Invocation  by Reverend Charles Burchett at Retirement Dinner 
        We  have gathered here this evening to honor and express our appreciation for Dr.  James L. Holly and his wife, Carolyn.  As  I begin this time of honor and appreciation with prayer, I know that one of the  best ways to honor the Holly’s is to honor their God, so I invite each of you  to join with me now as I do that.
  
          Heavenly  Father, by Your loving and merciful revelation to us, we know that You are  Jehovah Elohim.  It is with great joy, in  the presence of these witnesses, that I praise You for being the only One true  God.  There is no God but You, Jehovah  Elohim,  and Jesus is Your only begotten  Son, THE Creator and Sustainer, THE Redeemer and King of all that was, is, or  will be.
  
          I  join with my long-time friends, I join with Larry and Carolyn in thanking You,  Jesus, for being Lord and Master over, Friend and Brother to, and Savior and  King for us, for many others here, and for millions of people around the world.
  
          Spirit  of the Living God-Man and Messiah I thank You for teaching Your Word for  decades to and through Larry and Carolyn so that hundreds of men, women, and  children have come to know You and know You more.
  
          Holy  Spirit, I thank You for building the virtue and character of the Lord Jesus  Christ into Larry and Carolyn so they could demonstrate and display His virtue  and character to their family, friends, neighbors, patients, co-laborers, and  even to strangers.
  
          And,  Spirit of Truth and Holiness, during this time of transition, which surely  includes some uncertainty, I thank You for being their encouraging and  strengthening Comforter.  As you number  their days and order their steps, I ask You to give them many more  opportunities to see hundreds more come to know You and know You more.
  
          Father,  I also want pray for all who have come to honor and bless Larry and Carolyn  tonight, and for all the partners and staff of the South East Texas Medical  Associates.  So in their behalf I lift up  to You the words of King David, a man after Your own heart:
  
          Heavenly Father, I ask You to give  them grace so that they will personally choose to worship You with reverence,  rejoice before You with trembling, and so that they, with love and honor, will  bow their lives in submission to Your Son, Jesus, and faithfully take refuge in  Him as Lord and Savior everyday. {Psalm 2:11-12}
  
          One  more thing, Father, as Mr. Melancon administrates the rest of this evening, I  ask You to bless him with wisdom from above that helps him continue to help us  give honor and express our appreciation to the Holly’s.
  
			In behalf of all of  us I thank You, Lord God, for blessing us with the unconditional love and  faithful friendship of Dr. and Mrs. Holly.   In the glorious Name of Jesus, the Lord God Almighty, Amen! 
		 
		Response to  retirement Party Holly/Henrich 
        My note to the President of UT Health San Antonio  
        I am sorry that I did not get to  bid you good-bye.   I think we got you away on time; I hope so.  
        I cannot tell you how significant  your presence was last night.  I can only imagine the time, energy and  resources your attendance required. It was a statement to my family, my community  and my colleagues.  
        You will allow me to applaud  Carolyn.  Her eloquence and sentiments were to me a crowning achievement  of my life. I have always wanted to be my wife’s hero. Last night I felt that I  was.  
        Dr Henrich, your gifts and  presentation were wonderful. I was so glad that you had come to respect and  admire Dr Pannill. Your analysis of the early years and of Dr Pannill’s career  are greatly appreciated. I look forward to having a transcript of your entire  address.  
        Your charming and winsome banter  are endearing.  You are truly a great communicator. I am proud to be your  friend .  
        The way you wove my experience with  the Chancellor and the UT Regents was one of the cleverest things I have ever  heard. Thank you for your kind remarks. I shall always be grateful for you  being here  
        I will send you a copy of the video  soon 
        Sincerely  
        James L. Holly, M.D. 
        From Dr Henrich  President UY Health San Antonio  
			Larry, 
          A beautiful and wonderful evening.     We were so  lucky to be there.    Carolyn’s talk was so compelling and warm and  truthful and a tribute to you and your marriage. 
			I loved what you had to say —  beautifully articulated. 
			I’m still processing everything, but it  was so memorable and lovely. 
  			Larry you are a exemplary person and  physician.     It is a privilege of my life to be your friend and  colleague.      I look forward to you and Carolyn coming over to  see us often.    Bill 
          Ps.    Mary and everyone else on our trip loved  the evening! 
		 
		 Retirement Celebration From UT Health San Antonio  President Bill Henrich  
		   
		  Richmond, 
        It was a delightful and warm evening, and  we were privileged to be there. Your Dad holds a special place in my heart.  His alma mater loves him.  And the remarks by  your Mom and Dad were heartfelt and moving.
  
            Thank you for including us.     It was wonderful that we  could come.    
   
          My best wishes to you and your family for a peaceful and happy Holiday season.     
        Warm regards,  Bill  
           
          Sent from my iPhone 
   
          On Dec 1, 2018, at 2:20 PM, Richmond Holly wrote: 
        Dr. Henrich,  
        I just wanted to tell you thank you for taking the time and  making the effort to attend.  Your comments were delightful.  I have  heard the story many times of Dr. Pannill from dad.  However, to hear it  from someone who researched history to educate themselves on the facts opposed  to living the events, it gave me a different perspective and made me realize  how truly unique my father is. 
        Also, I loved the Dumbledore quote. 
        Thank you,  
Richmond E. Holly
		 
      
	 
      
        
          
              
                - Mrs. Kris Doyle’s watercolors lord and our gift
                    
Carolyn and  I were thrilled to receive an original of this watercolor from the President of  UT Health at our retirement dinner. Below it is the story of the painting 
  
                         
                       
                      This magnificent watercolor of the renamed Joe R. And Teresa Lozano Long School  of Medicine at UT Health San Antonio was executed by Mrs Kris Doyle. 
   
                      The following link is to a letter to the Longs after the renaming ceremony. The  letter identifies Mrs Kris Doyle as the painter of the magnificent watercolor  of the renamed school.  
   
  http://www.jameslhollymd.com/Letters/joe-r-and-teresa-lozano-long-school-of-medicine 
   
                      This is the letter I wrote to Mrs Doyle about her work.  
   
                      From: James L. Holly  
                      Sent: February 17, 2017 10:27 AM 
                      To: Doyle, Kristine  
                      Subject: watercolor 
   
                      Ms. Doyle: 
   
                      Attached is a letter to Mr. and Mrs. Long, which I have placed in the mail  today.  I wanted to tell you how wonderful your watercolor is.  My  wife and I have enjoyed fine art all of our lives and particularly enjoy  watercolors. 
   
                      Your conceptualization and execution of the renaming of the Medical School is  brilliant and excellent. 
   
                      Thank you for sharing your gift with us. 
   
                      Larry Holly 
   
                      From: Morrill, Deborah 
                      Vice President, Chief Development Officer,  
                      U T Health San Antonio  
   
                      Thank you so much, Dr. Holly, for this thoughtful recognition of Kris.   Her dedication is inspiring, and Mr. and Mrs. Long love the painting and  have it proudly displayed in a prominent place in their home.  Kris has  been a blessing to our university in so many ways, but this contribution of her  talents was truly extraordinary!  It added a beautiful dimension to the  Long Naming Celebration that really touched Mr. and Mrs. Long and all of us and  meant a great deal to me as well. 
   
                      Sincerely,   Debbie  
   
                      On Oct 1, 2018, at 8:12 AM, James L. Holly  
   
                      Your work is excellent. I never tire of it.  By the way, I am a 49 year  veteran of UT Health.  James (Larry) Holly, M.D. 
   
                      On Oct 1, 2018, at 8:08 AM, Doyle, Kristine M  
   
                      Thank you for your kind words. It was my honor to create this painting to  celebrate our Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine and UT Health  San Antonio. As a 41 year veteran of UT Health San Antonio, I have seen  phenomenal growth and advancing sciences that have propelled our 
                      university to greatness. I am proud to be a part of it! 
   
                      Thank you again, Kris Doyle 
   
                      Kris Enders Doyle  |  Senior Director of Marketing 
                      UT Health San Antonio 
                      Office of Institutional Advancement 
                 
               
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                - Rebecca Andrews Dr Holly’s Nurse’s Address November 29, 2018
					
Good afternoon, My name is Rebecca Andrews and I  have worked alongside Dr. Holly for the past 10 plus years as his nurse.  Throughout all of those years we have built a  bond that makes me wish this day was not coming so fast.  Many days of memorable moments, laughter and  joy.  One things for sure there was never  a dull moment.  If you know Dr. Holly you  know just what I mean.   
                    There have been many times when your bossy ways  have made us frown and complain, But after the dust settled we've always  admired your persistence to push us again and again. As sharing these years  with you I have grown and learned allot. You always taught us to work hard,  meet deadlines, practice perfection and manage time.  Per Dr. Holly it needs to be done Right and  Right Now. Lol..  
                    Today we are not saying goodbye to our boss who  gave instructions.  Today we are saying  goodbye to a leader who gave direction and a mentor who gave us inspiration.  Thank you for all your support and encouragement.  Your contributions to our success are  immeasurable.  You have contributed  immensely to the company's success in so many ways.  
                     It is no  gain saying that it will be difficult for anyone to surpass the good examples  that you are leaving behind. You have accomplished many challenges as our  leader but the biggest challenge of your retired life is about to begin,  Finding something challenging to do.   
                    Now all of those selfies that you have taken can  fill the pictorial dictionary at the word Worthless. You have always laid all  the rules in the office now you will finally be on the other side as your wife  lays all the rules at home.  The time has  come for you to Relax, Entertain, Travel, Indulge, Read and Enjoy.  Blessings on your Retirement.  You will be missed like a bad tooth ache that  I once had... LOL. 
                 
               
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                - Retirement Dinner Master of Ceremonies
					
Content for Master of Ceremony 
					  November 29, 2018 
						Introduction 
					  We are happy to enjoy the  music of Dr. Robert Culbertson and the Lamar University Faculty Quintet.   Thank you for your excellent performance 
					  Tonight we are gathered  to celebrate the lives and career of Dr. and Mrs. James L. Holly.   
  
					  While your dinner is  being served, I am honored to introduce these two remarkable people.  Here is what others have said about Carolyn  and Larry:   
					  Thank you for joining us  for the Retirement Celebration for Dr. and Mrs. James L. Holly.  I have known the Hollys….
  
  Tonight, we will hear many things about Larry and Carolyn  Holly.  We start with two quotes from  colleagues in the medical community.
  
  From  a Beaumont Physician 
  
  ‘I can think of no one  who has had more of an impact on Southeast Texas medicine than Dr.  Holly.   He has touched many lives, directly and indirectly...and that includes a  former young medical student in 1978.  When God welcomes Larry and Carolyn  into his permanent kingdom, he will most surely say, ‘Well done, my son, well  done indeed’. I can only echo that Larry.  Congratulations my dear  friend!” 
  
  Upon  the endowment of the Dr. and Mrs. James L. Holly Distinguished Chair in Patient-Centered  Medical Home at UT Health San Antonio Long School of Medicine, Mr. Ted  Carpenter, Former President of Universal American Medicare Advantage Program,  wrote:
  
  “Our  organization works with thousands of physicians across the United States.   Further, we collaborate with dozens of physician leaders who dedicate  themselves to organizing outstanding patient care by seeking new and innovative  ways to improve the entire patient care process.  We are very fortunate to  work with some of the very best physician leaders in the country.
  
  “That said, Dr. Holly is in a league by himself.  His  energy, passion, and unrelenting commitment to improving quality of care is  without equal in my experience.  He drives positive change within his  practice and community, implements value-added technology to improve clinical  outcomes, reads and write prolifically regarding clinical and public health  issues and generously shares what he has learned with all interested parties  across the United States. 
  
  “Under Dr. Holly’s leadership, SETMA has been honored  countless times for their innovation, technology and services to the  community.  By far, however, their greatest accomplishments is the care  and quality that each SETMA patient receives. They are the real beneficiaries  of this extraordinary physician practice.”  
  
  Introduction of Carolyn and Larry’s  dear friend who is pastor of First Baptist Church, Kirbyville.
  
					  At this time, Reverend Charles Burchett, Pastor of First  Baptist Church, Kirbyville, Texas, will lead our innovation and blessing of the  evening and the meal.  Reverend Burchett  and his wife Beverly have been dear friends with the Holly’s for 45 years.
  
					  At 7:30 start the evening – invite everyone to continue  eating.  
  
  First speaker – 3 minutes
  
					  Rebecca Andrew
  
					  In 43 years of practicing medicine, Dr. Holly has principally worked with three  nurses.  Mrs. Patsy Bobo, Mrs. Kay  McIlrath and Mrs. Rebecca Andrews.  All  three are with us tonight. 
  
					  From 2007 to 2018   Mrs. Andrews has been Dr. Holly’s partner in healthcare.  There is no place where the partnership of  team work between nurses, healthcare providers and staff have been more  critical to success.  
  
					  Mrs. Andrew will share her experiences with Dr. and Mrs.  Holly,
  
  Second Speaker – 5 minutes
  
					  Dr. Chris Maggio
  
					  Carolyn and Larry met in 1962 as sophomores at Northwestern  State College now University.  
  
					  Larry was 18 and Carolyn was 19 years old. They graduated in  1965.  
  
					  NSU President, Dr. Chris Maggio is with us tonight.  
  
					  Also, from NSU is Mrs. Jill Bankson, Associate Director of  Development
  
  Dr. Maggio will share  with us his memories of Dr. and Mrs. Holly 
  
  Third Speaker – 10 – 15 minutes
  
					  Our next speaker is Dr. Bill Henrich is the former Dean of  the UT Health San Antonio Long School of Medicine and for the past 9 years has  been President of the Health Science Center.  
  
					  Those accompanying Dr. Henrich from UT Health San Antonio  and the Long School of Medicine are:
  
  Mrs. Deborah Morrill, Vice President of  Institutional Advancement 
  & Chief Development Officer
  
  Dr. and Mrs. Robert Hromas, Dean, Long School of Medicine UT  Health San Antonio
  
  Dr. and Mrs. Carlos Jaen, Chairman of Family and Community  Health, Long School of Medicine, and holder of the Dr. and Mrs. James L. Holly  Distinguished Chair in Patient-Centered Medical Home
  
  Dr.  Ruth Berggren, Director of the Center for Medical Humanities &  Ethics at the UT Health Science Center San Antonio
  
  Mr. Patrick O’Hara, Senior Associate Vice  President of Institutional Advancement
  
  Mr. Steven Reese, Director of Development and Alumni Relations,  Office of Institutional Advancement
  
					  Professionally and personally Dr. and Mrs. Henrich have been  among the most influential contributors to the career of Larry and  Carolyn.  
  
					  Dr. Henrich will share with us his experience with Dr. and  Mrs. Holly
  
  Fourth Speaker – Mrs. Holly 5  minutes – 
  
					  Dr. Holly and Mrs. Holly have shared the last 54 years  together and they were close friends for the three years before that. Carolyn  and Larry were married four years before starting medical school and it is fair  to say that they “went to medical school together,”  
  
					  It is equally true to say that their 43 years of the  practice of medicine in Southeast Texas has been together.  
  
					  Dr. Holly will be the first to tell you that Mrs. Holly is  an excellent diagnostician.  If you  question that judgement, ask her who it was that diagnosed Dr. Holly when he  contracted West Nile Virus in 2006.
  
  Mrs. Holly, we are eager to hear  your comments tonight
  
  Fifth Speaker – Dr. Holly 20 minutes
  
					  Dr. Holly’s career has spanned 43 years in Beaumont and a  total of 46 years.  Tonight he and Mrs.  Holly officially bid farewell to Southeast Texas Medical Associates which  itself will soon have a new owner.  
  
					  Dr. Holly will share his reflections upon 75 years of life,  almost 54 of them married to Carolyn and the last 23 plus years at the helm of  SETMA.
  
  At the end of Dr.  Holly’s address, Dr. Henrich will need to depart for San Antonio.  Please do not leave at that time as the  program will continue.  
  
  Closing – Invitation to public  comment
  
					  As the Founder and CEO of SETMA from 1995 to 2018, Dr.  Holly, with the able collaboration of Mrs. Holly, the Hollys have led, nurtured  and befriended many of you.  
  
					  In this final part of this celebration, any of you who  wishes are invited to take one of the microphones and briefly express your  response to the career and lives of Dr. and Mrs. Holly
  
					  If you would wish to comment just raise your hand or stand  and a microphone will be brought to you.
  
When there are no more comments or at 9:30 –  thank people for coming and bid them good night.  If you choose you can invite a round of  applause for Carolyn and Larry
			   
				 
               
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	  - 
		Deborah. Morrill
		  
Dr. Holly, 
          My apologies for a slow response....I  really enjoyed being with you and Mrs. Holly.....she is a remarkable speaker,  and both of you made it such a special evening for everyone! We would not have  missed it!  What you have achieved in your  lifetime, to now, is inspiring, and I know the window God will open for the  next chapter will be a great blessing to you and all of us who love you. 
          You are so generous and kind. We truly  love you and are so grateful for everything you and Carolyn have done for the  Long School of Medicine and each of us.....and so many others! 
          Sincerely, 
          Debbie 
       
	   
	
      
        
          
              
                - Mrs Faisal Anwar (wife of Syed Anwar, MD, SETMA Partner)
					
Dear Dr. And Mrs Holly, 
                    Thank you so much for making us a part of  your evening celebrating Dr. Holly, his life, his work and his accomplishments. 
                    Mrs Holly you looked beautiful and were  elegant and eloquent on the stage but I wish I could have done something to  take away the pain that I could hear in your speech and your voice. 
                    Dr. Holly, you are a true icon for health  care. Everything that was said in your honor was a true testament to your  character.  I know that SETMA and the health  care industry will not be the same without you, but the legacy that you have  created will live on forever. 
                    I wish you both nothing but the best. 
                    With love,  
                    Mrs Faisal Anwar (wife of Syed Anwar, MD,  SETMA Partner)  
                 
               
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                - Retirement – December  8, 2018
                  
It has been nine days since our retirement  dinner and it is twenty-three days before my retirement is finalized.   I have had a lifetime habit of processing  things by writing. I have continued doing that for the past four months.  
                  Over the past several days, I have been  surprised by an overwhelming feeling of joy and of positive expectations.   These feelings do not yet have a great deal  of substance except in one case. 
                  I always have loved and enjoyed my wife  and her company, but since and during medical school, I have been driven by  medicine. Her tolerance of my obsession is legendary but now she is the full  time object of my attention. I love it and I love her.  
                  I find that I am more relaxed and  patient.  I have almost an irrational  optimism about the future, not because it is delusional, but because it is not  subject to attack by events.  I have a  joy which seems irrepressible.  I have a  joy which seems to bubble up and to overcome events.  
                  And, with a spirit which filters out the  negative, my joy seems unfathomable.   Slowly my relaxation is filled with peace rather than ideas about my  next project, paper or innovation.  And,  my heart — my emotion — is comfortable with that.  
                  This also allows me to be thankful for the  past 46 years without disturbance from recent events  
It will be  interesting to see how this progresses.                 
               
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		- 
		  
The  Citadel and Dr. Henrich’s Address at Retirement Dinner  
	      Today, I listened to the audio file of Dr Henrich’s address  at my retirement dinner.  
	      		    {https://www.dropbox.com/sh/20wl8j4k6498jar/AADq8rZQzlWtIUL5RXfKrPK5a?dl=0&preview=Henridge.mp3). A transcription is  being prepared.   
		     I am again struck with the creativity and originality  of Dr Henrich’s speech. I am having it transcribed so they the text and the  video tape of the evening can be accessed from my website.  
		    		      In his address, Dr. Henrich referenced A.  J. Cronin’s  book, The Citadel, published in 1937.  In 1938, Robert Donat played the  lead role in the movie of the same title.  Six years ago, I wrote an  article about Patience-Centered Medical Home based on this book and movie.   See:  http://www.jameslhollymd.com/Your-Life-Your-Health/Citadel-A-1937-Introduction-into-the-Spirit-of-Patient-Centered-Medical-Home.   The movie was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Actor, Movie and  Director.   
		    		      The next year, 1939, Donat was nominated for Best Actor for  his role in Good-bye Mr Chips.  Movie fans will remember that another  actor was nominated for best Actor in 1939:  Clark Cable for the role of  Rhett Butler in Gone With The Wind.  And the winner was:  Robert  Donat.  In 1989, a musical version of Good-bye Mr Chips was released. The  two versions were equally good.  
		    		      There are two movies I would encourage every medical school  student to see:  The Citadel and People will Talk (see http://www.jameslhollymd.com/your-life-your-health/medical-home-series-two-part-i-the-movie).    
		    		      The following are links to additional information about UT  Health and Dr Pannill: 
		    http://www.jameslhollymd.com/Letters/pannill-cander-taylor-1972-history-of-heroes  
		    http://www.jameslhollymd.com/Letters/ut-health-historical-summary-in-response-to-drs-henrich-and-berggren 
       
	 
	
	
	
  
      
        
          
              
                - Dr. Holly’s Final Note to SETMA Staff
 
                December 21, 2018
  
              When I arose at 4:30 this morning, I realized that due  to circumstances while this is only December 21, 2018, it is the last day that  I will have as the Founder and Chief Medical Office of Southeast Texas Medical  Associates to send a final note to the organization into which I have poured my  life into for the past twenty-three years.  Carolyn’s mother is in the  hospital following hip replacement due to aseptic necrosis.  On the 26th,  we will move her to a Skilled Nursing Facility for further rehab before  hopefully going back home.   
              As of the end of the day December 31, 2018, I will no  longer be a part of SETMA.  My office is empty, everything related to me  has been removed from SETMA, and as of the January 1 2019, I will no longer  have access to SETMA computers, EMR, or offices.  There is nothing unusual  about this but it is sobering and to some degree saddening. 
              Everything that needs to be done has.  My new  e-mail address will be jholly@Jameslhollymd.com.   Since the address www.jameslhollymd.com   will soon belong to another, the content which I wrote will be at www.jameslhollymd.com.   My cell phone number will be the same and my home number is listed in the phone  book.   
              All required notifications of my retirement have been  made and Carolyn and I have enjoyed a retirement dinner which could not have  been better.  A summary of that evening will be found in the addendum at  the end of this note. 
              Summary 
              As I leave, I wish to say to each of you and to all of  you, I leave with no regrets.  We did it right and we did it well.   There are some experiences I would rather not have had, but as to those things  over which we had control, I would not change anything It is my hope and prayer  that all of you will have a future which will be equal to your past, or perhaps  even better.  
              The Core Values Which Built SETMA 
              SETMA has always been a multispecialty, multicultural,  multinational, multiethnic and multi-faith organization.  I have always been  respectful of this fact and have never allowed SETMA to be used for sectarian  purposes.  In respect to one group, we have never allowed pork to be  served at a SETMA dinner or meeting.   
              Nevertheless, on May 30m 1996, less than a year after  the founding of SETMA, August 1, 1995, I wrote a “personal note” to the staff  of SETMA.  This same message has been repeated publicly and in a published  manner at least five times in the past twenty-three years.   
              Since that note was from me and it was designated as personal,  I cannot think of a better way to end my time with SETMA than to make sure that  everyone is keenly aware of who I am and of what I believe.  With that  intent, please read the following.  
              Deuteronomy 8 was a favorite passage of our Lord Jesus  Christ, as was the entire book of Deuteronomy. In verses 2 and 3, chapter eight  addresses the importance of humility on the part of men. Verse 3 declares that  that humility will lead men to understand the central place which the Word of  God, the Bible, has in the life of the believer.  Deuteronomy 8  principally reminds us that it is God Who gives us the power to “get money.”  Verses 11-17 state: 
              “Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not  keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command  thee this day: Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly  houses, and dwelt therein; And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy  silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; Then  thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God, which brought thee  forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; Who led thee through  that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions,  and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the  rock of flint; Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers  knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee  good at thy latter end; And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of  mine hand hath gotten me this wealth.” 
              Here is the beginning of the corruption of what any man  has received, the pride of believing that he achieved it by himself, and in  arrogance believing that he deserved it to begin with. Deuteronomy 8 concludes  with the solution to this pride, which is humility. It states: 
              “But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is He  that giveth thee power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which  He sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day. And it shall be, if thou do at  all forget the LORD thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and  worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish.” 
              I personally wish to affirm that it is God Who has blessed  me and my participation in SETMA, LLP, and to remember that it is “He that  gives us power to get wealth.” And, I wish to acknowledge that the purpose of  that wealth is that through God’s blessings others might see that living by  God’s rules is good. 
              As I have often told you, this is not a religious  organization and you do not have to believe what I have said in order to be a  part of this organization. Nevertheless, I do want you to know that the  benefits which you are receiving through SETMA, LLP are a product of God’s  blessing. I also want you to know that I believe that those benefits and  blessings will continue as long as we do not forget the Lord in not keeping His  commandments. For SETMA, LLP “keeping His commandments” means: 
              
                - Being  true to the founding principles which in the corporate documents. 
 
                - Being  true to our motto of “Health Care Where Your Health is the Only Care.” 
 
                - Being  true to the associates’ commitment to “doing good while we are doing  well.” 
 
                - Humbly  acknowledging those who have made us successful, that particularly being  God. 
 
                - Treating  everyone with whom we deal, whether colleague, co-worker, client, customer, or  company, with dignity, courtesy and kindness. 
 
                - Avoiding  profanity in both our language and in our “use” of others. 
 
               
              In SETMA, LLP, we have an opportunity to do something  really important, which is much more than just making money. We have the  opportunity to show Southeast Texas that respect for the dignity of every  individual and a desire to do good for others are not inconsistent with  prosperity. At strategic moments in this corporation’s life, we have prayed for  God’s wisdom and favor. He has abundantly given both, for which we give Him  thanks, and publicly acknowledge His grace and mercy. 
              In a recent letter to the President of the Southern  Baptist Convention, I said: 
              “As a Christian business man, I am very sensitive to  maintaining biblical standards in my medical practice. As the managing partner  of the largest, private, primary health care group in Southeast Texas, I am  careful to make certain that no activity of this partnership violates God’s  standards, to the best of my ability. Our corporate documents include  prohibitions preventing anyone in this practice from ever performing an  abortion, referring a patient for an abortion, or recommending an abortion. We  also have prohibitions against beverage alcohol being used in any meeting,  gathering, dinner, luncheon, banquet, picnic, or barbecue sponsored by, paid  for by or associated with Southeast Texas Medical Associates, LLP. 
              “Southeast Texas Medical Associates, LLP maintains three  standards of measuring any decision, all three must be met before we undertake  any action. First, we ask the question: 
              
                - ‘Is it legal?’ - this involves ethics. If an  action is not legal, we need go no further in our evaluation; we will not do  it. But, even if an action is legal, we are not yet at the point of decision;  we move to the second step of our evaluation, which applies a higher standard.  We ask the question, 
 
                - ‘Is it right?’ - this involves equity, i.e., is  it fair to all parties. However, even if a decision is right, this does not get  us to a final decision. Before we decide anything, we go one step further and  ask the question, 
 
                - ‘Is it righteous,’ - this involves eternity. If  it is not righteous, no matter how legal and right an action may be, Christians  should not be involved in it. 
 
               
              If an action is not ethical, equitable and eternally  acceptable, we do not enter into any business agreement. Thus far, God has  blessed our practice beyond our comprehension.”  
              I pledge to you not to forget from whence our blessing  comes. I pledge to you that I personally will continue to seek to conduct  myself ethically, equitably and eternally, as I pursue the goals which we have  established together. I pledge to you to bring no destruction upon your  livelihood by forgetting that it is God Who allows me to be a part of what we  are doing, and that it is He Who allows us to succeed. 
              In conclusion, this is a very personal note. That is why  I have signed it personally and not as the CEO of SETMA, LLP. I will never  attempt to force my faith upon you. But, I would be negligent, if I did not  tell each of you that no matter what you face, no matter who you are, Jesus  Christ, God Himself, has the power and desire to give you eternal life, which  includes victory over the trials of your life, hope for the future, and joy in  all circumstances. Incredibly, all of this is available by the same act to  which God has led me in these past few hours. It is available by humbling  yourself, acknowledging Who God is, and asking Him to make a difference in your  life. 
              God bless you. It is my prayer today, as it is each time  I sign your pay check, that your association with SETMA, LLP will be the best  occupational experience of your life, and that it will be an experience which  will encourage you ‘to come to Jesus.” 
              Conclusion 
              As I have thought of what I would and should say to you  upon this occasion, I cannot think of any better way to end my association with  each of you than to say to you, no matter how much money you make, no matter  how long you live, no matter how notable you are, or how high of praise you  receive from men, without a personal relationship with Jehovah God, in the  Person of His Son, Jesus Christ, the summary of your life will be incomplete.    
              God bless you and I hope to hear that you do well,  always. 
              James L. Holly, M.D. 
                CEO, SETMA 
              Adjunct Professor 
                Department of Family and Community Medicine 
                UT Health San Antonio 
                Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine  
              Associate Professor 
                Department of Internal Medicine 
                Texas A&M University 
                School of Medicine  
			 
               
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                Addendum to Final Note 
              The following are the u-tube videos of the Retirement  Dinner in four parts: 
              Video 1 – Introduction, Invocation and Rebecca Andrews  Address and the President of NSU’s address  
              https://youtu.be/wnlaY-yh4Xc 
              Video 2 – UT Health San Antonio President Address and  Carolyn Holly’s Address 
              https://youtu.be/sSrRwLEn9Ac 
              Video 3 – Dr Holly and the beginning of the public  comments with David Stone, Muhammad Aziz, Rusty Mathis, Robert Culbertson,  Theresa Bailey, 
              https://youtu.be/qyZTZAUsMUI 
              Video 4 Public Comment Joe Bill Holland, Carolyn Holly,  Charles Vessels, David Parmer, Hannah Katherine McMahan, Carrie Holly McMahan,  Mark Toups, Dr Holly about LaNell. 
              https://youtu.be/aapZVjR-_Hc 
              Most of the responses to Carolyn and me leaving SETMA  have been collected into a document at the following link:   
              http://www.jameslhollymd.com/Letters/retirement-notice-and-responses. 
              One response which has not been posted as of this  writing is from Joe Bill Holland, MD.  On November 29, 2018, he wrote:    
              “1978 seems like a long time ago, when we first met —  Retirement was the last thing either of us was thinking about.  God has  been good to both of us, and I give Him thanks for that and your  friendship.  You have been the dominant leader and innovator of health  care in South East Texas.  You have positively touched thousands of lives  in Southeast Texas and abroad, and He is truly proud of you.  I have  treasured your advice, wisdom and guidance through the years and don’t think  that will cease!  Thank you for everything!  May He continue to bless  you, Carolyn your family!  Job well done! Joe Bill”  
               
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	Responses to Dr.  Holly's Final Note to SETMA Staff December 21, 2018 
	
	  - 
		
Anonymous 
		    
		  We indeed did it right and did well, but only through your  leadership and God’s blessing. Unfortunately, January 1st we will be without  one of those for certain and most likely be without the other as well. And that  will be no coincidence! It has been my honor and my privilege to have worked  beside you. And I will always be ready to help you with anything. Just a call  away.  
       
	 
	
      
        
          
              
                Marcella  Wheeler 
                  Dr Holly, I  can’t even imagine practicing at SETMA without you as the leader. I have spent  my entire career as an NP with you and I have learned so much from you. You  were true to what I was told about you early on before I joined Setma, “you  never sleep, and you never lie”. I’m so proud to have been a part of SETMAs  history. You have set an example for all of us of what a hardworking,  intelligent, respectful, supportive, kind, loving, educated, spiritual,  insightful, fun, leader can be. It has been an honor to work with you and learn  from you.  I will miss your contagious  energy more than you know and I will continue to be the kind of provider you  have taught me to be. I wish all the best for you and your wonderful wife,  don’t forget us, I’ll be there in a snap in any future endeavors of yours.  Marcie  
                 
               
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                Mr  Holland’s Opus — What is the music if your life? 
                  Mr Holland’s Opus 
                  This morning I have seen the last  ten minutes of this remarkable movie. For those who know the story, you will  understand when I say that today it had a more personal meaning to me than it  ever has. 
                  Do you remember the words of the  former student, now the Governor?   She said: 
                  “Mr Holland had a profound effect  on my life; on a lot of lives I know; and yet, I keep hearing he considers a  great part of his own life misspent.   
                  “Rumor has it that he was always  working on this symphony of his. This was going to make him famous, rich,  probably both.  But, Mr Holland isn’t rich and he isn’t famous, at least  outside our own town.  
                  “So it would be easy for him to  consider himself a failure and he would be wrong because I believe he has  achieved a success far beyond riches or fame. Look around you, there is not a  life in this room you have not touched.   
                  Each one of us is a better person  because of you.  We are your symphony, Mr. Holland, we are the melody and  notes of your opus and we are the music of your life.” 
                  I shed a few tears and then I sat  about thinking, “What is the music of my life?” 
                  James (Larry) Holly, M.D.  
                    C.E.O. SETMA  
                 
               
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Jon  Sommerhauser 
	       
	      And I thought Douglas McArthur gave the greatest farewell address I  ever heard at West Point - Your Farewell Address to SETMA made me cry. WOW! You  blessed generations  of wonderful folks in Southeast Texas. I am proud to  have know you! 
        Jon  
       
	   
	  
	
		- 
		
Farewell  but not goodbye 
		Dear  Dr. Holly, 
  		I was not here on your last day of SETMA but I was at your party. I was  so proud to watch you and Carolyn step down with such dignity and as always  honoring others , each other and especially God.  
        I  have been so proud to say I was a member of the SETMA team. I have always  treasured that I worked for a man that prayed for our company as a whole and  for our team. 
        As  we have approached this end I have cried for sadness and also for some anxiety  of what the future holds knowing we no longer had your “covering “ (the  covering of God ) Feeling I am leaving Mayberry and moving to the big city.  
        But  then I sat back and did what I knew you would do and I had a conversation with  our Heavenly Father. And knew that He is who brought me to SETMA and He will  lead me through this next journey.  
        So I  just wanted to say until God says leave I will be His light and I will shine. I  will lead by example like you have done. 
        Thank  you for always being a good example to follow. I bless you and and Carolyn in  this next journey and I will ask that you pray for those of us that love the  Lord and been called to take the baton and run this next leg of the race that  you started.  
        Thank  you Dr Holly for all that you have done for me.  You pushed me to not  doubt myself and enable me to have the means to take my registry and not give  up when I didn’t pass the first time! 
        You answered your phone on your time off and helped when I was scared for my  brother’s heath and helped expedite his care at the hospital. 
  		You paid out of your own pocket for all the  antibiotics for the mission trip that Marcie, Theresa and myself went on. I  could go on...  
		Thank you!!   
		Stacy Houston Lewis RTR,RVT 
		“Your favorite ultrasound tech” 😂 
		 
		- 
		
Alicia Horn to Dr. and Mrs. Holly 
		Dear Dr and Mrs Holly 
		I waited until now to share with you after all the changes,  I remain so thankful for the gift of you in my life. On more than one occasion you intervened ion my behalf and gave me hope. 
		Your silent kindness will last in my memory forever.   
		I will miss you as the leader of SETMA, but the lessons I learned from you will continue.  You made an indelible mark on my life and heart.  
		I wish you both the very best of everything.   
 		Alicia Horn  
		 
     
	 
      
        
          
              
                Serwat  Perwaiz 
					This note is from a  young woman we knew briefly 23 years ago as she was part of the SETMA family.  She is an exceptional person, an elegant woman and very accomplished  professional.  Carolyn. And I are delighted to be back in touch with  her.  
                    Dear Dr. Holly, You  and your family left a lasting mark on my heart and mind. You all were the best  part of my experience in SE Texas! I learned many things from you, which I  carried forward in my life and work, such as the value of morality in the  pursuit of happiness or success. The importance of giving back to the  community, working on and maintaining a healthy and happy family life, with  spouse and children (and grandchildren!), and love for God, self, community and  country. 
                    I believe one reason  your messages resonated with me is because they echoed the lessons I learned  from my own parents and that time period in my life was my first meaningful "adult"  excursion into the world, I heard my own family's values and beliefs in the  conversations we shared. So, I felt at home. 
                    It is hard to imagine  SETMA without you. You have given so much of yourself into the pursuit of a  better life for all the people of Beaumont through your leadership in  healthcare. And, your efforts were cutting edge! I remember on one of my visits  to the office, seeing the revolutionary medical technology tools being  implemented - I was impressed - but It wasn't until I left Beaumont and visited  a medical office elsewhere without those tools, that I recognized how  progressive your office was. Later, I briefly worked on healthcare law and,  again, my experiences from your office were at the forefront of my mind and I  appreciated how advanced you were and willing to take risks and try new things. 
                    I am thankful we are  back in touch. I have enjoyed reading your posts and listening the farewell  dinner addresses. I look forward to staying connected! 
                    Received July 22, 2019 
                 
               
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                Carolyn Holly’s Response to Serwat 
					Oh my! I love words; I  love that words can describe, yea even create beauty. Words are power, power of  life and death. Dr. Holly & I can and have been described as word-smiths!! 
                    You words to us this  morning left me speechless. Did not want to invade or diminish their treasure  of beauty, life, love to our heart and soul with my words. 
                    You see Serwat,  virtue, character, dignity of purpose and person were the trophies that we  sought for with the gift of our life. 
                    Your words affirm us  as having achieved that as reflected in the lives of others, your life 
                    We esteemed your  person as elegant, refined brilliant, noble. I could go on... we esteemed your  person. 
                    Your take away from  what was best in us that we had to offer, validates our value of you. 
                    Thank you for  empowering our life and future with your kindness of thought as expressed by  your words. 
                    The Proverbs declare  that out of the heart the mouth speaketh!! You have a beautiful heart. 
                    We can tell that you  are investing your gifts to better all of humanity. We are proud of you. I know  your family is, as well. 
                    We will share life  with you through social media or however Providence allows. Till then, be well,  be happy. 
                    We are your friends, 
                      Larry & Carolyn  Holly 
                 
               
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