Director’s Note: March 2017

I recently saw a sign that read, “Attitude is important, so pick a good one.” A good attitude was necessary when I spent a day in the Emergency Room with my mother two weeks ago. I didn’t feel they moved quickly enough to help her, but knew that they were very busy and were doing the best they could. I was also very thankful that I live in a place that has state-of-the-art medical equipment and supplies.

While in the Philippines, I toured a hospital that had no supplies, no gurneys, or wheelchairs to move patients to their room, and one IV pole for the entire hospital! If the patients wanted blankets, sheets, or a pillow, they had to bring it from home. Meals are not served in most hospitals either. In Romania, I saw patients outside in their pajamas buying food from street vendors. In Thailand there was no soap to wash your hands with in the restroom. The next time you are tempted to complain about the medical care you received, just remember how blessed you really are!