Carmen Love's Hometown Story

This year, Carmen Love’s children convinced her and her husband, Tom, to stay home to celebrate her 70th birthday.  So they did!  “It was one of the best decisions we could have ever made.  We enjoyed our time with the family, playing games with the grandchildren and staying up late.  I went to bed at 1:30 a.m. on December 27th. 

I woke up every hour and progressively felt worse. Our daughter, Tommie, a new RN, urged me to go to the ER.   By the time, my husband called  the ambulance, I couldn’t open my eyes or lift my head.  I don’t remember anything until I woke up at the hospital.  Everyone was so compassionate and kind.

I was kept for observation and Dr. Donald Lamoureaux wanted to run one more test.  That test revealed I had a large abdominal aortic aneurysm - and it was leaking!  The staff at MSH was so competent.  They made me feel calm in a very life threatening situation.  Because of their care, I remained calm even through being transferred by ambulance to Cape. 

My nurses, Kathleen Slagley and Windy Ott, made me feel like they existed only for me.  I was so thankful that the staff also cared for my family with the same compassion - knowing I might not survive.  I don’t know what we would do without our community hospital.  I know I certainly wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for MSH. They were efficient and knew exactly what to do - everything was done right.  Thank you, MSH! I am proud to celebrate my birthday each and every year, but 70 sure was memorable!”  

Carmen Love - Retired Teacher, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Cancer Survivor

Missouri Southern Healthcare.  Hometown Healing.