N MARCH 2000 a terrible accident occurred that strengthened my family’s faith. One stormy evening after returning from church, my phone rang. It was the hospital calling with news that my father had been in a serious accident. While at work, he had fallen to the ground from a ladder more than 30 feet tall. I immediately rushed to the hospital and was told that my father had shattered all the bones in his feet and also fractured his femur, elbow and spine.

We were sent by ambulance to Tyler because the weather was too stormy to be transported by a helicopter that night. We arrived at 4:30 a.m., and my father was taken into surgery about an hour later. We knew it would be a long surgery but never expected it to take nearly nine hours! One complication led to another, but after more than two weeks in Tyler, we were ready to bring my dad home to Paris for rehab at CHRISTUS St. Joseph’s, the hospital where I have worked for 12 years.

During my family’s extended stay in Tyler, I received numerous calls from my co-workers and supervisor, as well as their constant prayers. I remained optimistic that, with all these prayers being said, everything would work out. Meanwhile, I had been away from work for quite a while since my dad’s accident and was ready to be back among my co-workers, whom I also considered my friends and support system.

It was my first day back in the office, and I was getting caught up on mail when a message came across the hospital’s intercom: “Attention, please. Attention, please. Dr. Max, Room 709.” (This was the hospital’s code for a patient in cardiac or respiratory arrest). It was my dad’s room!

A devastating feeling surged through me. I was in a panic. I attempted to run up five flights of stairs to my dad’s room. So many things rushed through my head. I prayed silently to God, “Please let him be OK, please!” It was one of the most horrible feelings I have ever experienced. When I finally reached Dad’s room, I was deeply thankful to find that he was OK. He began talking to me, telling me not to worry and encouraging me to go back to work.

When I turned to leave, the most amazing thing happened. I knew my co-workers and supervisor were extremely supportive and caring, but when I walked out, I found them all in a line outside my Dad’s room, where they had quickly rushed to show their support. Through all my anxiety, I could sense their support and care, and tears started to flow down my face.

Once again, I had persevered as a result of their love and support, as well as my confidence in knowing that my dad and family were kept in their prayers. I realize that I could not ask for a better place to work. I know our CHRISTUS St. Joseph’s Associates will continue to show concern and compassion for their fellow co-workers and those we serve, and I pray that God will continue to bless us all.

Milinda Love
CHRISTUS St. Joseph’s Health System