Grateful to Fargo

We were not supposed to be driving through North Dakota on December 9, but Don was ready to leave Montana and head home. Now, looking back, I can't help but wonder if the accident would have happened had we been driving a day, or a week later.

The frightening details of this journey began in Jamestown when a young woman helped me out of the truck and onto I94. I am thankful for the people who stopped and helped gather our belongings strewn about the highway and to the police and Jamestown Hospital staff who cared for us in those first hours. The hospital staff contacted a driver who drove me to Don who was in the Sanford Hospital. He also helped me check into the Sandia Hotel. This was the beginning of an unbelievably difficult experience.

I'm writing this because I need to express how your compassion and generosity helped me find the courage to face the myriad of emotions I would soon endure. I extend a very heartfelt thank you to the wonderful staff of Sanford Hospital who became my support system and extended family. I am grateful to the doctors (especially the Yankee fan), the interns and residents, the compassionate Critical Care nursing staff, the case and social workers, the tech savvy ladies in the business center who helped me stay connected and provided a safe and comfortable place to manage so many responsibilities, the volunteer who helped me meet so many of my needs, the wonderful people in the family rooms who shared their strength while facing their own hardships and the caring people of Fargo who opened their homes to me, shared their holidays, introduced me to their families, provided me with transportation, repaired my wedding ring and selflessly gave of themselves.

Now home alone, the days are long and the nights lonely. However, my thoughts of Fargo warm my heart and the love of my family and friends here at home give me comfort and peace. I will forever cherish my memories of Don and our 37 years together.

Gratefully yours,