Opinion: A note of gratitude to my Sumter, Tuomey family

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To the Sumter/Shaw community:

I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support that has been shown to me and my family over the past week. Words are inadequate to express how much your calls, texts, cards and social media posts have meant to us during this transition. Thank you!

It does not come as a surprise because that is who Team Sumter is: a community of caring individuals who always come together to demonstrate their support. This is no different from the many thoughtful and generous acts you have bestowed upon the Tuomey team during the COVID-19 pandemic. Your cards, signs, goodies, meals, letters, supplies, parades, flyovers and, most importantly, your prayers sustained us through a most difficult time. These acts of kindness meant so much to us that we posted photos of you and your gifts in the hospital entrance to remind ourselves that we were not in this alone.

It would appear from the latest reports that the pandemic is far from over, and the team still needs your prayers. Continue to pray for them and their families that the Lord gives them a double portion of strength to withstand the long road ahead.

Again, thank you. We will always be #Sumter Strong!

To my beloved Tuomey family - the team members and medical staff:

I love you. This is not the first time you have heard me say it, nor will it be the last.

During my 27-year journey with you, we have faced many great challenges and obstacles, but together we have withstood them all. It is because of your resilience and unwavering commitment to this hospital and community that we were able to endure.

You have known me to be a servant leader, and I am proud of my faith. Therefore, you can take comfort in knowing that God will keep His word and work all things together for good.

It has been a privilege to work alongside you. From those of you who taught me how to make a hospital bed when I was a nursing assistant to the physicians who helped to hone my critical thinking as a registered nurse and the board members who had confidence in me to lead the organization, each of you played a role in shaping the leader I have become. I am grateful. You showed me what it means to have a work family. Our experiences together taught me what it takes to persevere through adversity and how to celebrate when we come out better on the other side.

As we enter into this Thanksgiving season and I think of all the things I am grateful for, I count you among my blessings. I am reminded of God's goodness and faithfulness in the past and His many exceeding promises for my future.

No matter where my journey takes me, Tuomey will always be my first love, and you will always be my family. Thank you for the opportunity to serve; it has been an honor.

With love and admiration,

Dr. Michelle Logan-Owens, RN