Taylor: Just one more thing to be grateful for

Hello everyone!! I am so glad to be back and writing again. I would like to thank Bill for filling in and writing the article last week. I see that we are due for some more snow tonight, after what I’ve been through I don’t even mind the snow forecast. I bet you are saying the man must have adumped her on her head, but I am so grateful to be alive the lousy weather is just a minor detail.

Let me tell you how fast something can happen. I was feeling just fine when I went to bed Sunday night and when I woke up Monday morning I needed medical help. My how fast life changes. The main part of this article is to reiterate how important it is to enjoy each day as we never know what tomorrow brings. I found those words so easy to say before but today those words are extremely important to me and I would like each of you to enjoy and appreciate every day.

Bill took me to the VA Hospital that scary Monday morning. The hospital stay was an experience I will never forget. Several of my roommates were veterans. Several that took care of me were veterans. Some were doctors some were nurses, and then let’s not forget the technicians and the many others I should have mentioned. I felt at home and at ease with the excellent care that I received as well as listening to all of the veteran personnel talk about their experiences. I can’t thank everyone enough for the excellent care but I do want to thank the nurses on the 8th floor west you are awesome.

You were always there and helpful even at times when we as the patient are antsy and extremely nervous about the testing and the next steps involved in finding what is wrong with us. Yes, I’m new to being a patient I had not been in a hospital since I had the kids several years ago. Amazing how times have changed in the hospital.

One of my visits was to the Neurology Floor where I had to have my eyes and vision tested. The doctors needed to see if any permanent damage had been done to my eyes. While waiting for my turn, I was visiting with a veteran from the Iraqi War. He was at the facility for all- day testing and he was mentioning how hard it is for him, as his boss at work doesn’t understand why he has to be gone from work all day for testing at the VA. I hope his boss realizes in the future how important these tests and visits are at the facility and our past and present military need to attend the appointments. While the service at the facility is excellent and I couldn’t ask for any better treatment, let me tell you there is still a waiting time involved.

Has the public forgotten, emergencies occur, some appointments last longer than the doctors have allotted for, some of the results require more testing and of course all of this takes time.

 I will tell you we all need to learn patience as each patient is important at the VA and they are extremely through with the testing.

 Thank goodness I passed that testing with flying colors and have no major complications.

I only spent several days in the hospital but those days will never be forgotten and will be etched in my memory forever. From that visit, I am extremely aware of the care, love and dedication all of the folks at the VA hospital provide and continue to provide for our military and veterans. Again, thank you for all of your dedication and care.

Since I have come home, I truly enjoy the comforts of my home, looking at my husband and enjoying each day. Again I’m enjoying each day because of you veterans and our military.

Thank you for providing us the freedoms that we have in this country. I also realized in this visit to the hospital many of you have paid an extremely high price with your physical health and mental health issues because of war. I know many veterans keep telling me you did what you did because it was your job.

Well I would like to thank each of you for doing your job which was serving in the military for this country and God bless the USA.

As a reminder please attend the Independence Patriotic Council’s Annual Fundraiser dinner on Feb. 21 at the American Legion Post 21 starting at 3 p.m.

Please call Post 21 at 816-373-0221 and reserve your tickets. The tickets are $12.50 each. Please support this fund raiser as the Patriotic Council is responsible for acquiring and placing flags on the graves of veterans in Independence on Memorial Day. I know your support and or contribution is greatly appreciated.

I hope to see you at this special fundraiser event.

Don’t forget I can be reached by email at ktaylorvfw@live.com.

I hope you have a wonderful week and talk to you soon.