A box of chocolates as big as VGH isn’t enough

It’s never too late to say thank you.

Following a heart attack, one patient has struggled to find a meaningful way to express his thanks to Dr. Jaqueline Saw. We’re glad he eventually did.

Dear Dr. Saw,

Seven months ago today I was wheeled into your operating room having suffered a heart attack with a 100% blockage in the main artery to the heart. I have been intending to thank you for your wonderfully efficient and effective intervention (even though I wasn’t wild about your choice of music during the operation), but have consistently failed to write even an email of thanks because any thanks seems hopelessly disproportionate to what you have done for me.

In the past seven months I have enjoyed the company of grandchildren and family, and especially my wonderful wife. I have written a novel, first draft, and a number of poems, and have written a further book about education with a colleague. I have given a number to talks about education, about engaging children’s imaginations in their world and learning, to many teachers and educational administrators, and have expanded my Japanese garden, and am exercising energetically.

Well, routine things of perhaps doubtful value here and there. But [it’s] hard simply to say “thank you” without it seeming grossly inadequate. And a box of chocolates, even as big as the VGH, or flowers that might fill a ward, seem again not quite how to say thank you for your good work. (I’ll maybe send a copy of the novel if it is published.) But before any more time goes by, please accept my—heartfelt—thanks.