Message from the President

It’s what we do every day. We care for our friends and neighbors from cradle to grave. But for one dear family recently, we did both.

Grandma’s struggle with metastatic cancer had been long and difficult. The chemotherapy was no longer providing benefit. She was being transitioned to hospice care.

Her granddaughter, on a floor below, was just taking her first few breaths and glancing curiously at the faces of her adoring parents. And those parents were carrying the simultaneous joy of a family that just gained a member and sorrow of a family faced with losing one.

Dr. Patel knew that time was precious. She gathered the staff and asked them to work to make sure that the two family members would have their first, and only, chance to meet.

The request sounds simple enough. But it takes time, and time was short. And it always takes a team. Alma, Darlene, Shelly, Tammy, Dr. Collins—and I’m sure others—helped to pull the plan together: hold a dose or two of comfort medications to make sure the patient could remain awake. Find a private room on the OB floor for a private visit. Make sure the staff and family were all notified and ready.

Grandma opened her eyes as they set the little newborn on her chest. The little one did what little ones do. Those in the room described the event as the most beautiful thing they had ever seen. All around, eyes filled with tears.

That little grandbaby will never remember the visit. But she will never forget the story. Her parents will make sure of it.

The work we do is challenging. Pain, blood, urine, stool, baths. When we think we’re done, we do it all over again. There’s never a time where we can stop and think: “I’ve got a couple of hours of free time, what can I do to create a great memory?” We may never have that time, but I’m so very grateful we always seem to make the time.

Today, all around Lakeland, we are creating memories. We are helping to shape literally thousands of new memories. Of course, those we serve will remember the needles, scalpels, scopes, blinking lights, and alarms. That’s a part of health care. It’s impossible to avoid.

But what a blessing it is to soften those memories with something a lot more meaningful. Tender hearts, understanding touch, warm smiles, and heartfelt listening. And what a privilege it is to be a small but meaningful part of someone’s lifelong memories.

Grandma and her grandbaby were both carried out of the hospital. One on the way to her final resting place and the other to the rest of her life.

Thank you to the Lakeland team for everything you do to brighten each day, to touch each heart, and to bless each soul.

If you would like to read more of Message from the President, click here.