By Ed Breeden

Anderson resident

Friends and citizens of Anderson, if and when we need health care in our community, I believe we are in good hands. I’ve witnessed employees, both of Saint John’s Medical Center and Bethany Pointe Health Campus. They are unsung heroes — like Anderson’s policemen and firemen.

In April of this year, my dad, Dub Breeden, was a patient at these two facilities. He and I and my family were treated royally. I want to thank all the professionals, from doctors who expressed to me they would care for my dad like they would their own to the maintenance people who gave directions to the cafeteria and took time to ask me how I was doing. Countless times, I witnessed registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants call Dad by name and talk to him as though he understood every word, even when he would not respond or could not answer their questions. Never was there a sharp word, but many words of encouragement, and much patience. I so appreciated the wonderful touches and pats to his arms, hands and shoulders. I saw the hands of Jesus working through them. Often they would comb his hair and tell him how handsome he was. To those individuals who bathed Dad, oiled his skin and kept changing his position so he would be comfortable, all the while talking to him and treating him with dignity and respect, I tip my hat to you.

When day was dark and eternity grew near, a cloud of loving strangers, for all practical purposes, descended around us like we were family. In a sense we were and are family — we all are human beings. We were given tray after tray of juices, water and cookies; fresh supplies always arrived ... unasked for, but appreciated. Once, I was standing outside Dad’s room and a young employee saw me and stated she would get someone to talk with me. Another time, when Dad took a huge downswing and it looked as though death was imminent, three staff ladies stood by my side holding Dad’s hand, with another hand on my shoulder, moving us through this process with unwavering compassion. I was assured someone would be with Dad if family members could not be there.

Finally, let me express my gratitude to the administration and clergy who walked us through this season of loss and gain. A special thanks is extended to my caring Anderson post office supervisor, Greg Douglas, who allowed me to be where I needed to be. Thanks to the people who came to our rooms, explained our options in detail so my family and I could make necessary decisions, then did all the paper work. Thanks as well goes to the pastors and medical staff who offered prayers and tender words of encouragement. To all employees, housekeeping, medical staff and administrators - thank you all so much. You made the dying process a very living experience. Heroes abound in a variety of colored uniforms in Anderson’s health care profession. You are loved and appreciated very much.