Simply Grateful

Simply grateful.  That brightly colored greeting card received recently from one of our patients truly said it all.  Simply grateful, it read. Those words instantly captured my attention because they so profoundly express how our seriously ill and disabled patients feel when Friends, Inc. offers them encouragement and support.  Often they send cards and letters to us to communicate just that.  “I am very grateful for the things you all do for me.  Your service is greatly appreciated.”  “Thank you all for getting me a ride to the doctor.  Love you guys.”  “Thank you so much for helping me out.  My experiences with Friends have been wonderful.”  “Thanks for the people who did my yard work.  Love you all.”  “Thank you for getting me where I need to go.  May God continue to bless you all.”  Even on Facebook a patient posted, “I’m in a wheelchair with no options for transportation.  With their special van and great volunteer drivers, they have taken me places that it was impossible for me to get to on my own.  It’s fair to say that they have literally helped keep me alive.  You have my deepest heartfelt thanks.” These are just a few of the heartfelt sentiments received from those that we personally provide assistance, each one expressing what being grateful is all about.  The dictionary defines gratefulness as a feeling of thankfulness and appreciation.  Here at Friends, Inc. it is considered a privilege to have the opportunity to offer words of encouragement and definitive acts of kindness and compassion to those in need.  We are also extremely honored to have men and women choose to volunteer with us, daily making a positive impact in the lives of so many.  We are, simply said, truly grateful; and so are those whom we so diligently work to support and serve.