One of the bright spots in the lives of hospital staff is receiving confirmation of the quality of care they provide from satisfied patients and families. Recently, the following letter made the rounds at Auburn Memorial, putting a smile on the faces of many staff. We deeply appreciate those who take the time to let us know how well we are doing. It is with pride that we share Ms. Black's sentiments about our community and our hospital.

About three weeks ago, my husband and I traveled to the Sherwood Inn. We arrived on Thursday. It was cool and brisk, but perfect for walking in the autumn air. We enjoyed walking by the lake and browsing in all the delightful little shops. The area is beautiful. We really enjoyed ourselves on Thursday and Friday.

In the wee hours of Saturday morning, I awoke with shortness of breath. By the time the paramedics arrived (only a few minutes), I was gasping for air #- and getting none. I literally wanted to die and even asked the paramedics to just “let me go.” That was the last thing I remember except for vaguely hearing voices: “She's got nail polish on;” “We've got to incubate.” I awoke at some point to a soft voice telling me, “No, no, don't pull on that.” I learned later that I had been trying to pull a catheter out of my neck, so was given a little more sedation.

I remember opening my eyes and seeing the faces of my two beautiful daughters, my son and my husband of 44 years peering down at me. I was elated to see them, but unable to speak. It was then I learned that I had been in congestive heart failure. My lungs had filled with fluid, and I was on a respirator.

The point of the story, however, is not about me. It is about the people who saved my life, the Skaneateles Paramedics and Auburn Memorial Hospital ER personnel. Of course I am grateful to them. How do you thank people who saved your life, other than saying “Thank you?”

But there is more to this story #) the outstanding courtesy and care I was afforded by every single staff member. I want the people of Auburn and the surrounding areas to know what an outstanding hospital Auburn Memorial is. I cannot thank them enough for saving my life, but I can and want to applaud them for being so remarkable in every aspect of my care #- every individual went far and above what you would expect. They were more than just efficient and doing their job. The cardiac team led by Dr. Rama Godishala was outstanding. My son, who is a pediatrician, was impressed with their expertise and professionalism.

The medical care could not have been better. The nurses couldn't do enough for me: “Let me move that chair over so you'll be more comfortable;” “Can I warm that up a little for you?;” “Now if you need anything, don't hesitate to ring or just call out.” Most of the time you think to yourself, “Yeah, like they really want to be bothered by me,” so you delay ringing until you can't wait anymore. Such was not the case. “Can I do anything for you, get you anything else,” and so forth.

The kindness I was shown by every single nurse and aide was most commendable. They weren't just nice, they were super. I loved hearing about their families and your community. I now know many more places to visit when we return, which at first I wasn't sure I wanted to do. Now I have decided I must, and am looking forward to it.

They say Buffalo, where I reside, is “The City of Good Neighbors,” which it is, but I want to tell you, Auburn will always be a special place, dear to my heart. When a total stranger is made to feel like they are part of a family it is a special occurrence. When you leave a hospital and feel you are leaving many friends, it is phenomenal!

So to all the residents of Auburn and surrounding areas, you can be very proud of your community, and more specifically, your outstanding doctors, nurses and staff at Auburn Memorial.

Sincerely,

Mercita (CeCe) Black

Beverly Miller is the director of community relations and the

Hospital Foundation at Auburn Memorial Hospital