Imagine, if you will, that you are enjoying a wonderful vacation in a foreign country, spending quality time with family, only to encounter a medical situation which requires you to be whisked away to a local ER. That’s exactly what happened to Robert Smith of Amble, England.
Robert Smith is a carefree and jovial Scotsman. He and wife, Fay, treasure their yearly trips to Smyrna, Georgia to visit son Grant, daughter-in-law Jodi, and grandchildren, 4-year old Samantha and 2-year old Jessica. Unfortunately, in 2001, their vacation also included an unexpected visit to Emory-Adventist Hospital at Smyrna!
Jodi recalls that when they picked up Robert and his wife, Fay, at the airport he appeared tired. “His coloring was also rather gray,” recalls Jodi. “We tried to do a little sightseeing that first day, but he became quite exhausted. I thought it was just jet lag.” Hours later, at 3 am, when the family was aroused by Fay’s call for assistance, Grant and Jodi knew that this was more than jet lag. “My father awoke complaining of chest pain,” says Grant. “I immediately feared it was a heart attack, so I headed for Emory-Adventist Hospital.”
Grant dropped his father off at the ER entrance, with medical help and a wheelchair awaiting him, and went to park his car. By the time he walked into the ER his father was already in an exam room and receiving treatment. “I was amazed,” states Grant. “The sense of urgency was very impressive and it made me feel that my father was in good hands.”
After initial testing, Robert was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. During this time Fay stayed close by his side, or left just long enough to bake cookies for the staff! Both Robert and Fay say that their care was exceptional and it was delivered in a very compassionate and loving way. Commenting about his experience at EAH, Robert says, “I am thankful every day that I was visiting my son when this happened, and that my son lives in Smyrna!”
Although he suffered a 90% blockage to one of the main arteries to the heart, Robert was able to eventually experience a full recovery. Today he continues to enjoy his life in England and takes pleasure in one of his favorite past times—gardening (even receiving awards for his beautiful gardens.) He also participates in several Scottish events, always donning a tartan kilt and displaying full Scottish regalia.
The story could end here except for a recent act of appreciation graciously extended to EAH by the Smiths. In planning for their 50th wedding anniversary celebration, Fay reflected about how thankful she was to still have her husband in her life. She thought about the hospital back in Smyrna, Georgia—and wanted to do something for them. Fay contacted Grant and told him of her desire to honor EAH in some way. After noticing information on the hospital’s website, it was determined that a gift to the hospital’s Foundation would be perfect.
Invitations for the anniversary event included a donation envelope, along with a small message about how the hospital helped preserve the life of Robert. In lieu of gifts, friends and family were encouraged to make a gift to the Foundation.
Foundation Director Sharon Croyle, was privileged to meet Grant Smith and to accept the stack of envelopes containing money (mostly in pounds) from the Smith Family. “We are so thankful for the generosity exhibited from the Smiths,” states Ms. Croyle. “It’s especially inspirational to hear from former patients about how our hospital has made a difference in their lives. The Foundation will make sure that these funds are used to benefit many other families.”
Robert and Fay’s 50th anniversary celebration was held in August 2009 in Dundee, Scotland. More than 70 people attended—everyone enjoying the dancing and festive surroundings—no one more so than Robert!
Granddaughter, Rebecca Jackson, sums up the family’s appreciation by writing, “On behalf of all the grandchildren I would like to take this opportunity to extend sincere thanks from the whole family to all the doctors, nurses, and other members of the hospital staff who cared for our granddad. You have given us the opportunity to spend more precious years with him; for that, we are truly grateful.”