How does one go about thanking so many people and groups of medical teams for their help in keeping a husband ticking?

Just before Christmas, Don became very ill, ending up in Harrison Medical Center. Those who know him know that he has progressive problems of chronic bronchitis because of damaged lungs. His usual spells are about twice a year due to changing seasons. With antibiotics, the condition is usually taken care of — only not so this time.

This bout started in October and escalated with medications not working as they had in the past, thus we ended up spending the holidays in the hospital and Martha & Mary rehab in Poulsbo. Don is now home picking up a bit everyday with visiting nurses, therapists and other medical attention.

As always, our wonderful EMT crew from North Kitsap Fire & Rescue arrived quickly, assessed the situation and transported Don to the emergency room. Thanks, fellows! You are my heroes.

The staff at Harrison and our Group Health doctors, nurses and other administrators who were always right there for us deserve a grateful thanks. We especially want to thank everyone at Poulsbo Martha & Mary. I haven’t the words to say how grateful the family is for the thoughtful, diligent care he received — the sweet little lady who cleaned his room with a big smile, the wonderful nurse’s aides who gave him encouragement and thoughtful attention, the fantastic nurses for their care, our doctors who kept us informed every step, the good-natured therapists who prepared him to come home. Our thanks go up the ladder to the administrators who made the legal process understandable and easy. There are no expressions of thanks that seem enough to cover everyone for the care given Don. The atmosphere was uplifting and comfortable for him.

I went in to visit every day from 11:30 a.m. until after Don’s dinner, and phoned him every night. I was able to call any time, day or night, to see how he was doing. One can imagine my relief to leave him at night feeling he was safe and well taken care of. I actually could feel myself relaxing and was able to finally catch up on sleep. I had stayed in the hospital with him every day, and our concerned family members took turns staying through the night, never leaving him alone.

I have to add that the young driver of the Martha & Mary van from the hospital to the recovery center was one of the best drivers we have ever followed. The night was dark and rainy, visibility was bad and he had two ailing passengers aboard.

We thank Redeemer Church’s pastor and church congregation, especially our family, for all their prayers, help and constant support they gave.  How fortunate we are to have so many folks who truly care about the two of us.

Now back home, we are blessed with doctors’ calls, visiting nurses, therapists and every home help needed for Don’s further recovery. So what if we missed the holidays this year. The good Lord, through His use of gifted people in their service of healing, has given us a little more time together. That has to be the best Christmas gift of all.

Here we are into the New Year with hopes for a better future ahead. Although times are tough, we Americans never give up. Had we given up during the first fight for this country, we would not have become the great nation that we still are. We will survive because that is what we do.

One thing I do know is that man alone cannot solve all the problems. We need to ask for more help from our Creator, the big boss upstairs. You can bet He has all the answers.

— Contact Jacque Thornton at jacquejt@centurytel.net