Letter to the Editor

Thank you is not enough

Sunday, January 23, 2011

To the Editor:

On Monday, Jan. 3, 2011, I was asked to come to the Commissioners' meeting at the Courthouse to sign some documents.

To my surprise, all members of the Clay County Health Department, my board chairman Dr. Rick Rodgers and other board members were there. Immediately after the Pledge of Allegiance, I was summoned by Commissioner Charles Brown to come forward.

I was presented with a beautiful plaque of appreciation for my service to the community. I was very pleased and thankful for this gift.

On Jan. 7, 2011, a special reception again was held. I was honored by Dr. Gregory Larkin, State Health Commissioner, with a very nice plaque of appreciation for my years as Clay County Health Officer.

I also received a letter of recognition for my service by the honorable Governor of Indiana, Mitch Daniels.

Many county officials were present as well as family, Health Dept. staff, colleagues and friends.

I had the most happy experience of my career. I think back to a citizen lady named Lorene Evans who wrote me a letter inviting me to her home town.

I just saw her once.

I then met a great surgeon named Dr. Frank Maurer and his family.

He encouraged me to accept the lady's invitation and move to Brazil.

So, I did, not knowing what lay ahead.

It did not take long, that I felt at home and wanted. I did experience a sincere welcome and sense of belonging.

Since June of 1961, this city and county accepted me.

With generous support and kindness, they helped me to raise my children.

They protected me and, with great generosity, overlooked my errors and short comings, and finally, honored me.

I would like to recognize the loyalty and service of board members, past and present who always responded to my cry for help.

I thank the Health Department staff, Joyce Vinson, William Hale, Bell Killion, Kim Hyatt, Jane Stark, Beulah Hofmann and Janice White.

For all that, just to say thank you to the citizens of this dear city and county, it is not enough.

So, I wish Blessings of the Almighty for all of you and say -- thanks again.

Dr. S. Rahim Farid,

Brazil