Sometimes we need to say it…

Today as I reflect on sitting by the bedside of my dear wife Judith, who passed into eternity at 12:32 pm May 18, 2018, at the Boundary Trails Health Centre near Winkler, MB a shoutout to all those who work at the Boundary Trails Health Centre and did their utmost to make Judith comfortable.

I know this is a farming and agriculture column and soon, most likely sooner than I like, I will be back to writing that what smacks of farming, ag policy, farm stories and the like.

Yet today as I ponder life, death and the life hereafter, I want to focus a little on the BTHC and other Health Centres across the country.

We never had to use the facility other than some family and friends visits. My wife was the director on the Southern Manitoba Regional Health Board and being a nurse she fully understood BTHC and what it is, does, and stands for.

First off the medical staff and the resident doctors are second to none. I won’t mention many names except one, Dr. Kevin Earl, who is the lead doctor on Judith’s case. Dr. Earl thank you for your professional expertise, sound and consulting advice, and certainly your caring and passionate care. The technical staff managing the operation taking the images that are so vital to know what step to take. The nursing and support staff again their knowledge, promptness and carrying out of their professional duties, often beyond the call of duty.

One of the shining features, pardon the pun is the cleanliness of the entire facilities from the kitchen and cafeteria, to the rooms, to the washrooms, and imaging areas. As one of the diligent cleaning staff said to me, “It has to start at the top with management, and when management enforces those policies, then things happen.”

While all that doesn’t take away the reality of dying, collectively they do make things easier, more comfortable, and comfort in knowing she received the best care and medical expertise.

I’m thankful to Laurie here at the PHC for allowing me to share briefly the life-changing activity taking place in my life, our daughters and their families lives, and the lives of our extended family and friends.

Judith spent her life serving the healthcare field whether at her clinic at 3M Canada in Morden, or another clinic at the Homestead South. She suffered tremendous pain and is now finally at rest and peace. I’m thankful for a God we can trust, the support of family, friends and our church collectively. •