It is my job to read the news every day, to share with viewers the events that have taken place in our community. As news anchors we read stories that impact the lives of families and friends we do not know and may never meet.
This week, I met one.
I went to Strong Hospital to spend a few moments with the family of a good friend who had suffered a stroke. In the waiting room, I had the chance to meet the mother of Janelle Varin, the 23-year-old woman who was seriously injured this past Wednesday when her car apparently made contact with a box truck on Scottsville Road and was forced into the southbound lane, where she was hit by two SUV's.
I read her name on the air that day as I have read the names of so many victims over the years. We use phrases like "serious injuries", "minor injuries", and "not believed to be life-threatening" without ever knowing those to whom we are referring.
Through Janelle's mother, Kristine, I had a chance to hear about this remarkable young woman and her struggle to survive. "She would be thrilled to know you were here," said her Mom. I took a business card from my pocket and quickly scribbled on the back "Get Well Janelle!" I told her Mom that I would say a prayer for her, and I would write this blog, asking others to pray for her too.
Maybe we should all do that once in a while during the news. Say a little prayer for those we do not know, but only hear or read about. Those with "serious injuries," those whose loved ones sit in the hospital waiting room.
Perhaps, we should give thanks as well for the dedicated medical professionals in our community. From both my friend's family and from Janelle's Mom I heard "The care here at Strong has been wonderful! We are so blessed to have this hospital and these caring doctors and nurses in our community."
I shall continue to "read the news", of course. But, I shall read it with the memory of my visit to the waiting room at Strong Hospital -- knowing
behind each name is a person struggling to survive and a family and community praying they will.
-Don Alhart
