Recently I was scheduled for some operations at the Squamish General Hospital. With a shortage of available operating rooms in the Lower Mainland, the trip to Squamish may be a growing trend.
I arrived a few days ahead, checked into the Executive Suites Hotel, and on the scheduled day, I presented myself to the Admissions Desk at SGH. One of the first questions was, “Who’s driving you home?” I explained that a taxi had driven me to the hospital and that a taxi would return me to the hotel later.
Unfortunately, they explained, that was not acceptable and my scheduled operations were now in jeopardy. I quickly determined that it was unlikely that at such a short notice that I could arrange alternate plans and prepared to head home.
Then a small miracle occurred.
Carol Griffin, the admissions clerk, had overheard my conversation. She had contacted her friend Patricia King, who runs For The One You Love home care services company and she, in turn, arranged for one of her staff, Lorraine Ferguson, to be my caretaker for the day. Voilà! Operations proceeded and after being released from recovery several hours later, they took me back to the hotel and monitored me as I slept. When I woke up, I thanked them and said that they could go home. I then asked about the bill. The reply was: “Merry Christmas!”
I was stunned. And no amount of persuasion would allow them to accept any payment. After being home for a few days now, my thoughts are these: If one can judge the measure of a community by its men and women who continually inspire and allow us to live life better, these three women, strangers to me, are extraordinary ambassadors for Squamish. This incident heralded back to a different and some may say a friendlier age of more innocent times that thrived on the quiet and unlauded efforts of individuals dedicated to community service. I am eternally thankful to these women, for their care and their kindness. I will never forget. And I now wish all of Squamish a very merry Christmas! Thank you.
Wayne Hunter
North Vancouver
