Editor:

The scathing editorial that was published Dec. 16 in a local daily newspaper is a poignant reminder for my family.

My dad, J.C. (Jack) Fowler, was a resident in the William F. Green facility for 29 months from Feb. 4, 2004 to June 30, 2006. As those who have dealt with this decision know, it is not easy to place a loved one in a nursing home.

Upon admission, my initial expectation was that my frail 87-year-old dad, who was debilitated by strokes, would not be there more than a couple of months. I also thought he wouldn’t want to leave his room. I was wrong. He was visited frequently by family members, and we participated along with him in the life of the home.

It is disheartening to read these repetitive negative reports that give the impression of care in this facility as “substandard,” especially for those of us who have had loved ones there and feel differently. I would not minimize a report of deficiencies, but haven’t these been addressed?

This is a belated public and open letter of thanks to the Veterans Administration, the Alabama state office of Veteran Affairs, and the staff of the William F. Green State Veterans Home for being there for our family in a time of great need.

It is especially appropriate during this season to express how grateful that I am for the staff members who would work on holidays to make these days special for residents who could not “go home.” They served meals and decorated dining tables so that we could share a meal in a festive environment.

I am also grateful for the care that dad received. There were regularly scheduled meetings regarding his weight, diet, medications and overall condition. I felt free to call any time of the day or night to check on his condition with the staff on his wing. This list could continue.

In the spirit of the season, it is my hope that we can focus on the positive and offer good will toward staff, residents and sponsors of this facility. Knowing that the news media love a good story, I would like to suggest that they visit William F. Green, walk the halls and talk with the state Veterans Administration representative, staff and residents, who can communicate. These residents are a colorful and interesting group of men and a few women, who can share stories of their experiences — especially those who were in World War II.

Read the poem on “D-Day” written by a resident and posted near the lobby. Give a face to each resident. I think you would find that most are grateful for this facility. Why not honor them with visits and support?