House of Miracles Event

-

I was honored to speak at Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo and certainly thank all who took part in the event. The photo above shows all who are featured in the book and took part in the signing. This is my thank-you to those involved.

House of Miracles - September 30, 2008

About twenty years ago I thought that if I wrote the right words, in the right order, I could change the world that I live in. Of course, as I’ve grown older, I now understand that the grandiose dreams of an idealistic writer, probably won’t get much done.

Yet I stand before you today realizing that through the past seven years the words that I wrote in Counting on a Miracle and in House of Miracles have had an impact on a few lives.

House of Miracles is about a community of people who toil day in and day out to offer a little of the human touch that eludes us in other walks of life.

It’s about Brian Smistek, the hospital photographer, who makes sure that he leaves a positive impression on everyone he meets.

It’s about Sister Brenda Whelan, the hospital Chaplin, who doles out faith, hope and love to the world around her.

It’s about Olivia Stockmeyer who nearly died following an operation for a cleft palate, but now has one of the greatest smiles in the world.

It’s about the love of the family of Anthony Stinson and the dedication of a wonderful mother, who has never stopped believing in life.

It’s about the family of Alexia Grace Kilroy and a mother who through love and comfort made sure that her family emerged intact and touched by the Hand of God.

It’s about the doctors and nurses and staff members: Dr. Michael Caty, Dr. Doron Feldman, Nurse Ellen Eckhardt, Nurse Linda Eschberger, Nurse Sue Popenburg, Child Life Services Director Deborah King and Stone’s Buddies leader Joanne Lana – who dedicate themselves to the grandiose ambition of saving our children. I will forever be in awe of the people who lent their names to this story, and I am further indebted to those who weren’t included, but are as equally determined to serve up the best healthcare in the world.

It’s about Barb Kourkounis, the champion of the parent advisory committee. Barb is a woman who is the very picture of dignity and respect, and she has worked hard to make it an asset of care at the hospital.

House of Miracles is also about leadership and an administrative staff led by Cheryl Klass, who as a testament to her commitment, chose a quotation from Aristotle to start her chapter of the book.

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.

Seven years ago, I walked out of the hospital with my son, Jake, who is as good as new. For the rest of my life, I will strive to write the words in the perfect order, to tell the world about the place where my boy’s life was saved, and to introduce anyone who cares to read about it, to a staff of people who opened my eyes to a world of love, compassion, and care.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Suits

-
Like a lot of other people we got pulled into the series, ‘Suits’ on Netflix. I’ve never had much fun hanging around lawyers who have questioned me as a construction safety officer. I once testified in a case where the opposing lawyer started questioning me by going through my educational background. “So,” he said, racing to a crescendo, “You graduated from college with a degree in Communications-Journalism and suddenly, 30 years later, you’re a ‘safety expert.’” He actually made the quotation marks with his fingers. I just looked at him. “How does that happen?” He bellowed, sure that he was going to discredit me. “Well,” I said. “I knew I was overqualified to become a lawyer.” The courtroom erupted in laughter. Even the judge chuckled. The rest of his questions landed flat. So, I wasn’t all that keen on a show about lawyers, but ‘Suits’ is great. Meghan Markle became a princess because of the show, and she is very good in it (and a beautiful woman). Yet, there is so much more. The wri
Read more

My Buddy, Dave

-
Way back in 1997, I started working with a steel erection company out of Syracuse. I was coming straight from a long stint with a steel erector here in Buffalo so I knew my stuff when it came to steel erection safety rules. On day one, I met with the safety director and he was just getting started as a safety guy, but man, he certainly cared about the guys he worked with. Dave was a good man from the start. He’d say things like: “You’re so full of beans.” Just a down to earth, hardworking guy who became a fast friend. We drove all around New York State setting up jobs. I always let Dave drive so that I could rest. One fine day, way up North of Syracuse, we passed a state trooper.  I glanced at the speedometer. “You’re screwed,” I said, and seconds later, the lights came on. Dave was beside himself.  The cop stopped by the window, grabbed the license and registration and headed back to his vehicle. “Here’s the thing,” I said. “You’re pissed, but you’re such a good guy that I bet you tha
Read more

Mom & Ollie

-
Image
 Ollie Stadium is a mess. The heavy rains rendered the backyard a mud pit and even though we threw in the side yard, the Big O was looking for more, and we were both covered in mud. I had to take some steam out of him somehow so I suggested we go visit Grandma. Ollie hates the car, but he laid quietly as we made the trip. We even brought the football because there is plenty of room to play at Grandma’s. Mom opened the door and started laughing. I thought about the love she had for every single dog we ever had. Oliver was quick to give my Mom a kiss, and then he stood beside her. The love between Mom and Dogs is a mutual bond. Through the years, Mom would make breakfast for the dogs.  Fried eggs, toast, bacon… She would wrap Christmas gifts for them. “To Jeter, Love Santa,” she would write on the cards. They played with the big chicken that made a lot of noise. Mom tossed the football and Ollie brought it back to her. As the visit drew to a close I headed for the door.  “C’mon, Oliver,”
Read more