HANK YOU JUST DOESN’T SEEM ADEQUATE for all the innumerable acts of kindness, love and compassion all of you have shown. The feelings are overwhelming because it is hard to believe that people can genuinely care so much. On July 26, as I was brought into the CHRISTUS St. Michael ER, I was terrified of being separated from my children, who had to be taken to another area hospital. As I was feeling helpless and alone, many of you were there immediately, caring for me as though I were your closest family. Many of you were there—not as fellow employees—but as friends. Friends who made phone calls to check on my children, friends who held my hand telling me everything would somehow be all right. Over the course of the next several days, these selfless acts never ceased.

Everyone, no matter what their job or position, poured out their generosity and sincere concern. You made accommodations for my very large family, made them all feel welcome and allowed them to be a part of my healing process. When I desperately needed to be in Little Rock (with my children), in spite of my physical limitations, you made it happen! In this, you allowed me to be with my son, Cade, during part of his final hours and to comfort my daughter, Lakyn, by being able to see her and hold her hand. My family and I will probably never know who all had a hand in this miracle, so I am asking God to richly bless each and every one of you.

I am so thankful for CHRISTUS St. Michael Hospital. It is not just any place of employment where fellow workers will gather around your hospital bed and pray so earnestly for you or where you can find a precious member of the Sisters of Charity come into your room to bring extreme comfort with a simple smile, a loving pat on the hand or a heartfelt prayer. When I chose to work at CHRISTUS St. Michael, one of my reasons was that I felt it would be a place where I could freely exercise my faith with my patients. I never dreamed that one day all of the people with whom I worked and for whom I worked would be sharing their faith with me during the most traumatic time of my life. CHRISTUS St. Michael is not just a place to work. It is a place to live the life God has called me to live with people who have become part of my extended family.

I believe with all my heart that your time, thoughts, prayers, visits, cards, flowers, kindness and generosity will not go unblessed. I will never be able to thank you enough for everything each of you has done for me, Lakyn and our family. You all gave so freely and selflessly of yourselves. That is why I am asking God to give to you as generously as you have given to me. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!!

Marissa Cambra
CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System