When I was a stranger, you welcomed me.

We are usually in bed by 9. I know. But I say that to emphasize that when we went to the ER last night at 1am we were well beyond tired. We were also worried and frustrated, because Julie had severe & persistent stomach pains we could not explain.

In about two hours we were told surgery was required immediately. It went well and recovery will be complete. Jules will likely be able to come home tomorrow.

We were exhausted and confused, fish out of water facing a 'right now' decision about major surgery with potentially unwelcome consequences attending whichever path we chose. The kindness and competence of each and every person we encountered at Akron General was other-worldly. They were gracious and helpful, informative and respectful. They were on our side.

My favorite political scientist once said that democracy is a collaboration between experts and ignorant people. We all chose to be experts in one or two things and depend on others--pharmacists, and auto mechanics, bankers and nurses, security guards and farmers--to be experts in areas where we are ignorant. That is exactly how it worked for us last night and I am deeply grateful.