Sometimes it seems kind words are a thing of the past. That makes it even more special when someone takes the time to use them.

It makes my day when our residents or their families send a note of appreciation about a St. Ann’s Community staff member who has made a difference in their lives.

Two quick examples, the first from the son of a resident couple:

Dear Mr. McRae,

I wanted to drop a quick note to let you know how impressed my family and I are with Dina Chapman in your Finance department. Ms. Chapman is helping us work through my parents’ Medicaid application. She is very knowledgeable, professional and always friendly. A pleasure to work with and someone in whom we have complete confidence. She represents St. Ann’s extremely well. I believe that if it’s worth writing a letter to complain, it’s certainly worth taking time to acknowledge excellence.

And this from the daughter of another resident:

I can’t believe what amazing, caring and thoughtful people you all are! I am sure you deal with families that are out of state with parents in Rochester a lot, but you have been so wonderful to me.

As an only child, this transition has been very difficult. The St. Ann’s family is awesome. You are all like my step-family in Rochester. I just wanted to be sure you knew that, since you have been with me every step of the way over the last four years. Thank you!

This person was so taken by the service provided by Nurse Holly Carmona of our Admissions team that she mentioned Holly during her father’s funeral service. Now that is special.

I hear many such compliments about the personal attention our staff pays to our residents. The care and compassion they demonstrate often goes unheralded but is a daily part of what makes St. Ann’s special.

Notes like these remind me to take time in my own life to compliment those who treat others with dignity and respect.  It’s a small way of showing that kind words still have a place in our society.