Editor:

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Fairhope Intermediate School students, principal, Carol Broughton, assistant principal, Harriett Brunson, Guidance Counselor, Peggy McCarthy, teachers, room mothers and staff for making Generations Hand In Hand a success. A simple idea grew to give residents and patients at Mercy some joy at the hands of children.

Hands touching hearts is what this program is all about. Room mothers and teachers came together with ideas for holiday crafts and treats to be shared with residents and patients at Mercy. I talked with several classes as they prepared to make their gifts. I began to tell the students of the healing ministry that goes on each day at Mercy Medical.

I in turn listened to students as they shared stories of a relative or a family friend they knew at Mercy Medical. I looked around the classroom at the faces these young students and knew this program was a winner. For each holiday assigned, classes made crafts, cards and treat bags for the residents at Mercy Medical and the children of the Pediatric Home Care program. What a wonderful lesson in life these students have learned.

Yes, hands truly touched hearts. A few weeks ago, I arranged for a few students and a room mother to come to Mercy. We met some of the residents and shared Easter gifts with them. The residents were most grateful for the gifts they had received from the students. To watch the interaction between these young students and the residents was a precious moment. Love begins at home, and putting love into action is a joy we can bring to many people.

As we look at our own family, we see faces of the past, the present and the future, a circle of life. It is my sincere hope that this “circle” will forever be closed in each family. These young students made gifts, and reached out to others who may have needed someone else in their circle.

Thank you Fairhope Intermediate School and the staff of Mercy Medical, Karen Kennedy, director of development; Ange Baggett, development officer and Lyn Fogarty, public relations coordinator, for all your assistance with beginning a new partnership. Generations Hand In Hand will continue to touch,hearts through the hands of children.