Kind words do not cost anything.  Words of appreciation can pack a punch few of us fully understand.  And that’s the point of today’s post.

That truism became evident when I had my first knee replacement in 2023. My wife and I chose to use the newly established Burke Health Orthopedic Center in Waynesboro, Georgia. A group of doctors from Augusta, had purchased an old county hospital and transformed it into an orthopedic-focused facility. The contrast with the larger hospitals in Augusta was striking. By that, I mean that here was a small, one-story facility where parking was simple, and check-in, patient rooms, and surgical rooms were all within 100 feet of each other. I never felt lost in a maze of a medical hive. On the contrary, everything felt personal and straightforward.

It was a 25-minute longer drive, but it was worth it. There was much less traffic, easy parking, and concierge golf-cart service to and from our car to the front door, with few, if any, delays, along with very friendly, supportive, and attentive staff. Even their food was reasonably good. Given the late afternoon surgery, we also decided to stay overnight.

After surgery, I was amazed at how my knee could be “replaced,” and I could be up and walking within just a few hours. My doctor emphasized that, regardless of how uncomfortable or painful it might be, the key to returning to normal life and the ability to play golf again is to do the rehabilitation exercises — every single one. If I ever wanted to shout “Fore” again, I needed to complete the therapy. 

We arrived home around 11 am, the morning after surgery, and I immediately began my exercises, searched for my pain pills, and dreamed of making more birdies and pars than bogeys and double bogeys.  

The nurse assigned to me during my hospital stay worked a 7 p.m.- 7 a.m. shift. Her name was Janay. We soon learned she was a blessing, and that’s the story I want to share.

Janay is the mother of four children.  Her husband has some health issues and has been unable to work, so it sounded like she was the breadwinner in the family.  A couple of years ago, she returned to school for her RN degree and certification.  Everything about her displayed a caring, compassionate, and still professional manner.  She explained things clearly and answered all of our questions.  Just as importantly, she was very responsive to every need.  Her calm and considerate manner made us feel at ease.  My wife and I were both impressed with her as a person and a nurse.

Around midnight, we were fast asleep. Janay quietly walked into the room, apologizing for disturbing our rest but letting us know it was time to check my vitals and give me my pain-relief medication. As she approached my bed, she dropped some paperwork, again offering her apologies. I jokingly remarked, “That’s okay, it’s midnight in Waynesboro.” She laughed and quickly completed her mission while engaging in friendly conversation. Once she left, I told my sleepy-eyed wife that we had been blessed with a first-class, first-rate nurse. With the lights off, we drifted back to sleep. Well, my wife fell asleep. The phrase “It’s midnight in Waynesboro” kept swirling in my mind. I had to write it down. Minutes later, I had finished a poem about Janay. It was more of a reflection on the nurse providing such excellent care. I have a soft spot for nurses; they are angels in disguise, in my humble, totally biased opinion. So, I couldn’t resist the urging of my spirit to write something up.

Here’s what I wrote:  I titled it, “It’s Midnight in Waynesboro.”

It’s midnight in Waynesboro

With a smile in her voice,

And a tenderness in her touch,

Those in pain remain sane because

One of the Lord’s Comforters is a pro.

It’s midnight in Waynesboro 

And a nurse named Janay is doing her thing.  

_{Note: A personal reflection by Buddy McElhannon}, _4/14/23, _{Warning label. This was written at midnight…just after a knee replacement…and under the influence of heavy drugs…and excellent nursing care.} 

When Janay returned at 4 a.m. for my next check-up, I told her I had something for her. She seemed surprised when I mentioned it was a poem. Her shocked expression was followed by, “Okaaay, will you read it to me?” I think she expected something funny, but by the time I finished, tears were in her eyes. She gratefully told me I had made her week.

We soon found her reading the poem to the rest of the nursing staff at their station. When the nursing supervisor stopped by to check on me at 7:30 am, I mentioned the poem, and the supervisor laughed, saying, “I know. Janay called me at 4 am this morning to read it to me.”

The hospital administrator also visited before I checked out to inquire about our stay. I shared the poem with him, and he conveyed his gratitude for the feedback. They had implemented significant personnel changes and additions as this small-town county hospital transformed into an orthopedic hub in the greater Augusta area.

He was all smiles when I told him that, schedule permitting, Burke Health in Waynesboro would be our first choice for my right knee replacement. He can thank Janay for that!

She serves as a reminder that individuals can impact the lives of others, as she has certainly made a difference in mine.

I wrote that reflection about Janay as a way of thanking her for her compassionate care. Seeing her response to these grateful words reminded me yet again of the power of appreciation.