LETTERS: KINDNESS WHEN IT'S NEEDED

To the editor:

On April 26, our family was devastated with the unexpected news that our 12-year-old son had a brain tumor. The confusion, pain and terror that we experienced were more than we thought we could bear.

After evaluation at St. Jude Children's Research Center in Memphis, Justin was referred to Semmes-Murphy Clinic and LeBonheur Children's Hospital for removal of the tumor. The surgery went well, and Justin returned home on May 7. We expect to return to St. Jude on Sunday to begin further treatments.

This pause in the events has allowed us to reflect on all that has happened. We have seen our lives changed beyond comprehension, our values and beliefs tested and our priorities rearranged.

We have not had to deal with the alone. We have had the prayers and support of family, friends, acquaintances and strangers to help us carry on. We would like to thank all who have been there for us and some very special people in particular.

First, a very special thank you to Dr. James Hoffman of Cape Girardeau. His accurate diagnosis and prompt action enabled us to receive treatment immediately. The physicians and nurses we encountered in Memphis told us how rare it is that a pediatrician will pick up on the symptoms so quickly. Dr. Hoffman may have saved Justin's life, and no parents could every fully express their thanks.

The children and staff of Chaffee Elementary School have done more to boost Justin's spirits than they can imagine with cards, balloons and a very special video.

The employees of the U.S. Postal Service in Cape Girardeau have been like a second family. We only wish that everyone could work with a group of people like these.

Thank you to Nancy Hampton, who has been a friend in every sense of the word.

Finally, a thanks to the medical personnel at St. Jude, LeBonheur and Semmes-Murphy. The caring, comfort and hope that they gave us were of equal importance as the medical treatment. They are special people, and under the stress of the situations probably do not get thanked enough.

Perhaps acts of kindness are not random but simply go unnoticed because they are done quietly by those who do not seek recognition.

JACK, GAYLE and JUSTIN DRAGONI

Cape Girardeau