LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: HEARTFELT THANKS

Dear Editor,

After being an avid reader and supporter of this newspaper, there have been editorials that have touched my heart in many ways, and I appreciate the vast variety of concerns that are expressed for its readers and subscribers.

Since June of 1993, my husband has undergone five surgeries with three of them being major, and because of many individuals and institutions, I'm compelled in some way to express my heartfelt thanks. It's because of them he is alive today and doing quite well. Throughout the ordeal, I have come to realize, more than ever before, the importance of a community built on religious faith and genuine love and concern for its fellow man.

First, it is important for me to give thanks to God for His abundant love and patience with me while trying to endure a lot of anxiety during some of the most difficult days, weeks, and months of my life. My husband was in C.C.U. at St. Francis Medical Center for more than six weeks. There were periods during those days that he was extremely critical. My appreciation to those very special nurses in that unit who gave superb care to him and encouragement to me. At times when hope was diminished, there were nurses who kept my spirits from fading away. Our thanks to the Respiratory Therapy Department who visited his bedside regularly, and methodical with their treatments which strengthened him a great deal. Also, I can't say enough about the Physical Therapy Department. Without their help, his recovery would have been much longer.

Our appreciation to our daughter, a Registered Nurse, who stood by and cared for her father in the most difficult hours while at the same time encouraging me when there appeared to be little hope. To our son and his wife for being there those moments I couldn't because of sheer exhaustion.

A deep gratitude goes to fellow Christians, many from churches over this land, for their prayers, and most of all, for Christian friends from Lynwood Baptist Church. Those who went that extra mile. Those who started prayer chains that brought miraculous results. Those who prepared meals, Childrens Depts and Hearts Aglow Sunday School Class, and also to those who greeted him with a "Welcome Home Bill" sign which touched him deeply. To ministers throughout the community who came with spirit filled encouragement and sincere petitions. Family and friends who stayed near and dear at all times. Also, to those families who took care of our home and yard.

There is also another institution which we are indeed grateful for, and that is Southeast Missouri Hospital for their mark of professionalism in caring and performing their services. I cannot thank the Director of Nursing, Karen Hendrickson, enough for her profession and position that she rightly earned as she showed that with her calls and concerns for his care and interest in the family. The TLC that was given in C.C.U., also in S.P.C.U., and the rest of the nurses on staff that cared for him. Also, to many of my friends at Southeast for being at my side throughout his stays there.

A special appreciation to Dr. Robert B. Russell for his kind words of assurance, and to Dr. Jonathan Foley who performed two of the surgeries, and we can say we still can hold him at high esteem. Also, to Dr. Kent Griffith for his wise counsel as the family physician.

Our appreciation goes to my husband's deputy who sacrificed her vacation on his behalf, and to those in the Administrative Building who encouraged and shared responsibilities.

The kindness and sweet spirit has surpassed the trials and anxieties we have experienced during these last 12 months, and much I've left unsaid.

We thank God from the bottom of our hearts, realizing a deeper appreciation of His love and grace through His people.

May God bless every act of kindness.

VENIEDA REYNOLDS

Cape Girardeau