A Very Special Thank You - Photo by Jen

In Kessler Rehabilitation's newsletter to employees, the following paragraph introduces a thank you note I wrote for the Kessler storefront center I go to for physical therapy. I actually wrote this a few years ago, when I was having PT for my back problems - without realizing that stenosis would eventually be diagnosed. I wrote this, then, thinking I was done with PT for that year, and found out today that this was printed, then, in the newsletter, and that they are using it again (and again?), as they liked it. This is the introductory paragraph:

Every day, Kessler receives notes of appreciation from patients and grateful family members. They typically acknowledge the hard work and compassion of our staff, the support and expert care they received and, often, just the little things that helped to make all the difference in their lives. Certainly, it would take pages upon pages to print all of the letters we get. But, every so often, a letter so articulately expresses a patient's feelings about her rehabilitation experience that it warrants our attention. The letter below was sent to the Kessler Rehabilitation Center in Mount Olive. It is a heartfelt reminder about the role we play in our patients' recovery...

Thank you for restoring my strength, one visit at a time.

Thank you for renewing my faith, by your promises and your patience.

Thank you, for giving me hope, after many disappointments.

Thanks to you, my friends are happy to see me stand stronger than before - figuratively and literally.

Thanks to you, my children see me cheerful and optimistic again, after so much pain and disappointment.

Thanks to you, my grandchildren giggle when I play on the floor with them like I used to.

I give thanks for your professional ministrations.

I give thanks for your personal kindness, listening to me talk about how I used to be, and how I dream of being that person, having that life, again.

I give thanks that you heard my words, and answered me with facts, advice, encouragement and hope, that I could dream of physical wholeness, again.

I hope that you know how I woke up with a smile on my face on the days I had therapy.

I hope that others tell you the effect your efforts have on their recovery and pursuit of their dreams, too.

I hope that you continue your work with others for a long time, for you truly have a gift to give.

I hope that someone else is as kind to you, as you have been to me, every day of your life.

I hope that, every day, somewhere, others realize the joy, satisfaction and blessing of healing others, and pursue a dream to make a difference in people's lives, as you do.

Again, I thank you. Always, I will thank you.