Thank you. All of you no matter what department you represent, and that’s because you were part of a terrific team that cared for me during a week when I needed support the most.
That is why, when a lady from Quality Control paid me a visit during my third day, the first words out of my mouth were, “Y’all don’t deserve the negativity you receive.” And they don’t … not the nurses or their aides or the respiratory therapists, not the hospitalists or specialists, and not the folks in housekeeping and in dietary, and not all the people with whom I did not come into contact but still had something to do with my care.
As a Wheeling resident, I get it, unfortunately. Before the contract was signed with WVU Medicine, Medical Park was operated by the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, a statewide organization once ruled for 13 years by a bishop guilty of debauchery. But see, he wasn’t executed or even jailed for his crimes, so that has left their angst for you. Plus, let’s face it, people pass, and those mourners need their reasons. It’s a sad truth about our inevitable life cycle, and certainly it comes with emotion.
Now, some may believe I received special treatment, but that’s simply not true. Most of those I came in contact with had never heard my name and had no idea what I do for a living. Some did, sure, but they did not provide me with some secret, special medicine they offer only to public figures.
To even think that is on one level of ridiculousness, but to actually believe it?
Thank you again, everyone, for offering me this chance, and please know I plan to make the most of it.
Sincerely,
Steve Novotney
