‘They gave us the best of themselves’

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1:36 PM Friday, March 19, 2010

On behalf of two families that recently visited the Atrium Medical Center emergency room and had extended stays in the hospital, we would like to thank the staff members who were so very kind to not only our loved ones but the families as well.

From the moment I entered the emergency room following my 88-year-old father’s admission there, not only did I find several staff in the room with him, but the emergency room physician was in there talking and explaining what was happening with me and my brothers. The gentleness, kindness and helpfulness were overwhelming. It was if the individuals could not do enough to keep my dad comfortable. My father had expressed his wishes to the doctor and staff members before we arrived; the information was conveyed to my brothers and me, who honored Dad’s wishes.

After taking my dad to his room, the staff members of 4 North went the extra mile to keep my father comfortable, as well as routinely checking on family members throughout the days and nights that followed to the comfortable, peaceful end my father had wanted.

The second family arrived at the emergency room the next day. The 88-year-old mother of a dear friend had fallen and broken her pelvis in four places. (She) was treated to the same unconditional kindness, expertise and understanding. Such gentleness and care with both of these older citizens was exemplary.

The staff on 4 South, where the mother was taken, also went above and beyond in helping patient and family through the next grueling days and nights. When the mother was moved to the rehab unit of the hospital, she was again treated with respect, kindness, understanding and great consideration.

Both of these cases had completely different endings. My father passed away on Feb. 8. Our friend returned home to recuperate on Feb. 15. The individual staffs of the ER — 4 North, 4 South and the rehab unit — went above and beyond to give the family members and patients more then just their professional best. They gave us the best of themselves as caring human beings. Both families — the family of Owen F. Van Ostrand and the family of Betty Perry — humbly thank you for helping us through difficult times.

Badonna Reese

Springboro

Election deadline

The deadline for letters to the editor related to the May 4 election is at noon Monday, April 26. No election-related letters will be published after Friday, April 30.

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