CHRISTUS holds annual rehab reunion
CHRISTUS St. Michael Rehabilitation Hospital recently had its 24th Rehab Reunion, bringing back inspiring patients to give hope to those still in the facility going through rehab. The event was also an opportunity for therapists and employees of the rehab hospital to visit with former patients and see the progress they’ve made since leaving therapy.
“We do it to bring people and families back into the hospital. It’s people who have done well and have inspired us as a staff,” said Patrick Flannery, administrator for the rehab hospital. “It also helps those who are in rehab to have hope and motivation to get better so they can go home with their families and so they know they can live a full life after an accident or injury.”
When patients are in the rehab hospital, they’re often there for two to three weeks, and they form relationships with the staff and other patients. The Rehab Reunion gives people a chance to see each other again.
“It provides a venue for people to interact and reminisce about their time in rehab,” Flannery said.
Jesse Miller, a former patient of St. Michael Rehabilitation Hospital, spoke at the event.
He was introduce by Linda Hampton, speech therapist at St. Michael.
“He was the hardest worked and always had an encouraging word and nice things to say to everyone. He still comes in and visits us and lets us know how he’s doing,” Hampton said.
Miller, who pastors a church in Wilton, Ark., suffered a stroke.
“We pastors are human and prone to the same illnesses you all are,” Miller said. Miller described his stroke symptoms. “I woke up and my right side started to feel funny. My wife fixed me toast and I couldn’t make my hand pick up the bread. That’s when I hollered at my wife to get me to the hospital,” he said.
Miller lost use of his right side from the stroke. It was very upsetting for the self-proclaimed crappie fisherman.
“I cried because I wasn’t going to be able to use my right arm to fish anymore,” he said.
But therapy at the rehab hospital helped Miller recover both physically and mentally. “God put spiritual people in my path and that’s the therapist here,” he said “These are some of the most wonderful people I’ve ever met. They worked diligently with me to make sure I’d get better. … Thank God I’m now back to preaching and I thank God for the entire system here. I pray nothing happens to you but if it does, you’ll be in great hands with these people here.”
“As God says in his word, he’ll take care of his children,” Miller said.