LETTER: Sacred Heart staff: A real Godsend

I am writing this letter to let you all know what an absolute gem you have in Dr. Melinda Graham, her staff, and the staff at Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast. 

We live an hour and a half north of Destin, and I often am asked why I drive the distance to go to the doctor. My answer is always the same; I have NEVER met a more caring doctor than Dr. Graham. Dr. Graham not only delivered our daughter in 2010, but she was the one coaching and encouraging me the entire time.

We have recently been faced with two of the hardest events of our lives, in August 2011 and February 2012.  Both times, Dr. Graham and SHHEC were involved in my care. Before both surgeries, every staff member went above and beyond each of their roles.

From the staff at check-in, to the nurses before surgery, to the nurses in the operating room, to the clergy visiting with us, to Dr. Graham visiting us before surgery/walking with me as I was being rolled into surgery/and holding my hand as I was put to sleep, to the recovery staff afterwards, I have nothing but praise and a heart full of thankfulness to each of you.

Thank you. Thank you to each and every one of you. You made the most heartbreaking situation bearable. Words cannot begin to express my praise and gratitude for the care, patience, and concern given to me on Friday, Feb. 3, 2012, by the following: Dr. Graham, Tanya and Jamie at her office; at the hospital-Julie, Joe, Dr. Nguyen, Dani, and Rosalind. To Ryan, you performed my epidural when I was in labor with my daughter, you put me to sleep for my first surgery, and even though you were not involved in my care during the second surgery, you cared enough to stick your head in my room to express your sympathy.

I know I am forgetting someone; please forgive me as your role was just as important to me as those mentioned.  I truly believe that God places people in our path at the time when we need them most. To all involved in my care, I pray that God blesses you as richly as you have blessed me with your kindness during such difficult times.

Julie Barnes

Opp, Ala.