To the Journal editor:

‘Tis the season to give thanks and I have a lot to be thankful for. As a matter of fact, all of us who live in this area have a lot to be thankful for, specifically UP Health System and the caring, knowledgeable, wonderful team of nurses, physicians and staff who work there.

Earlier this month, I was admitted to the hospital through the emergency room. I was experiencing abdominal pain, a lot of abdominal pain that had come on quickly.

Fortunately for me, they were able to diagnose the problem, get my pain under control and get me admitted and into a clean, comfortable room in no time.

Throughout my five-day stay, everyone that cared for me did an outstanding job. Given a steady diet of meds, smiles and encouragement (unfortunately I did not have anything in the way of food or liquids because of my condition until the very last day) I recovered quickly.

While I consider myself a relatively healthy person, at 68 years old, I have had my share of stays in hospitals and I would put our new UP Health System facility right at the top of the list. Of course the building is impressive, but more importantly the people who work there are simply the best. Especially those on the 7th floor!

When I sit down for Thanksgiving dinner this year, I will be thinking of those people and thanking them with all my heart. (Hopefully the Lions will find some way to win a game, too!)

Sincerely,