I Love You . . . Good-Bye
A letter written to Murphy Ambulance Services, St. Cloud, MN
–a letter* that still moved me when I found it in my files a few days ago.
I learned again that the human heart harbors sensitivity, gratitude, and the preciousness of friendship, maybe for a lifetime.
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January 11, 1995
To whom it may concern:
This letter is long overdue—and my gratitude remains strong. I write it to the persons who attended to my mother, Margaret Reuter, on September 22, 1994. Margaret experienced a heart attack at Saint Benedict’s Center [a senior community]. She was transported to Saint Cloud Hospital by Murphy Ambulance Service.
Thank you for your care of Mom and particularly for your sensitivity by letting her interact with her roommate during the episode. As you were wheeling Mom from her room, she asked to see Flo, her roommate, to say “Good-bye.” You took Mom back into her room for a few moments so she and Flo could express their care for each other and say “Good-bye.” Then Mom left for the hospital.
As it turned out, this final encounter between Mom and Flo was significant for both of them. Mom died the following morning knowing she had had a few last words with her friend. Later Flo gratefully recalled her last encounter with Mom. Clearly this final contact between them was a precious gift.
And so, I thank you for your sensitivity that meant so much to Mom and Flo, and to us, Mom’s family. We are comforted to know that these friends were blessed with such a special moment on their journey of several months together.
I know that the names of the attendants cannot be released to me. I write this letter hoping that you will receive it—on my behalf and that of my family. I am glad, too, that you were blessed to meet my mother, even though briefly. In the brevity you were significant to her. Maybe she was significant to you, too.
Gratefully,
Sister Mary Reuter, OSB
*letter edited for this blog
Picture: Pixabay
