To the Editor:

Today is my mother’s birthday. It is very special in that on July 10 some of the doctors were not sure of the outcome from a medical perspective. God answered prayers and was working through Teresa Huffman, a registered nurse, when my mother suffered a stroke and heart attack.

I would like to thank all the staff of Vaughan Regional Hospital, especially the ICU team that diligently watched over Mother for 15 days and put up with me and my family through the visits.

A special thank-you to Dr. Bailey and his residents for the concern and care they provided any time.

I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to Dr. Fahoum for his patience in caring for Mother. One morning as we were anticipating the removal of the ventilator, we found ourselves waiting three more days before it could be done. Dr. Fahoum waited on Mother’s responsiveness.

I give God all the glory for the celebration we are having today &045; that is with the presence of my mother and not just a memory on her special day. Love your friends and family today; tomorrow may be too late.

Last, but not least, words cannot express my gratitude to the friends of this community, especially my extended family &045; members of Valley Grande Baptist Church. They sat up all night with us, visited continuously for 25 days at the hospital, provided food on the table for my children and husband when I wasn’t there, provided child care for Holly and Jackson, and most importantly, they prayed to a living God in Heaven.

Let me urge you to find that extended family if you are without one today because circumstances arise and can be very difficult.

Happy birthday, Mama.

Love always,

Greta Jones

Valley Grande