This is the award-winning letter sent to 4 South:
A small token of appreciation for the love, tolerance, and respect I received while under your care. I was a patient at Genesys Hospital during which time I was treated for fractured left femur. I had never fractured a bone in my life, then as my luck goes, I fracture one of the largest bones. I had recently lost and buried two family members within the last 7 months, my father and a sister one year older than myself. And then to make matters worse, I go and fracture one of my femurs. I feel sometimes that the only luck I have is bad. Please realize that I was neither in the best state of mind or spirit upon my admission. If I was unpleasant in any way, please accept my sincerest apology. I felt a great need to write you and try to express the impact which was made on my life through your care. I have a special respect for nurses, as my mother has been an RN for 54 years now. I know first hand that more often than not, it is a pretty thankless job. I have experience great indignities dealt to my mother since youth. but then again, it also seemed that when she needed it most, thanks would come and cheer her. In the same way, I believe each of you were placed in my life at the exact moment I needed you the most. I have never experiences such care, love, and support as I received from each of you. these are not just the words of a man who has been cared for very well (well, maybe a little . . ) you literally placed this man back on his feet with hope in his heart. You made me laugh when I felt like crying and loved me until I could love myself again. Never underestimate the power for change in another person's life that each of you hold, each day. You are "miracle workers." I could never repay you for your help and this letter is but a menial attempt. Please know that each of you are in my daily prayers. Never give up hope or despair, as you touch every person's life in your care, whether it is acknowledged or not. Know that you have touched my life forever . . . as I shall never forget and continue to love each of you for the rest of my life.
Genesys Hospital is blessed to have such a professional and caring staff of nurses as they do. The St. Joseph statue in the lobby by the women and children's center holds a special place in my heart also, as that very same statue stood in the lobby of the old St. Joseph's Hospital on the night I was born.
Thank you so much for the kindness, support, and love given so abundantly to me. My heart has been forever branded by it. |