Upfront

by Sherry Foster
Editor

Once again I'm in awe of the indescribable compassion and kindness of the Augusta community. It seems appropriate, in view of this issue's being the Best Doctors, that I first mention the phenomenal staff of nurses and hospital professionals who work on the 10th floor oncology wing of University Hospital. My husband David's last few weeks were spent in the loving and competent care of those wonderful people. They exhibited kindness, respect and humor all dispersed with frequent hugs of encouragement and support. I can't imagine members of my own family exhibiting more compassion and supportive concern. They are all truly angels of mercy—each and every one of them—and I'll never be able to adequately express my gratitude.

Further experience bears out that these qualities are not unique to the oncology floor of University Hospital. During David's long valiant battle with cancer, we were treated with much the same attentive care by those we encountered throughout his treatment. From doctors to nurses to technicians to clerical staff, we were treated with respect and empathy.

And at the end, the rest of our wonderful community of friends and neighbors stepped in to guide us through those first difficult hours and days with the same amount of compassion. They brought food and flowers and ice and drinks—lots of it. They answered phones, tidied up the house and yard, walked Sadie and most importantly provided a listening ear, words of comfort and prayer. I was and continue to be overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and concern.

Someone asked me during those days if I was planning on staying in Augusta. For a few stunned moments I was speechless. My reply: "Well, of course, I am. Where else in the world would I want to live?" If you read my column regularly you might not be surprised by my response. But at that moment I realized the idea of living somewhere else was unthinkable. I also realized how blessed I am to call Augusta home.