Sir, - On March 29th, my husband and I arrived at Jury's Hotel, Ballsbridge to spend some time in Dublin before our flight home to New York. That night my husband suffered a serious heart attack which was recognised by the manager in the hotel, Mr Sean Twohig, who immediately called for emergency help. An ambulance arrived quickly and brought him to St Vincent's Hospital. Dr John Cahill worked feverishly for several hours to bring him back. Father Cuffe, the chaplain, came to comfort me in the early morning hours and stayed to alleviate my fears. I was totally alone - no relatives, no friends in Ireland.
While my husband was in St Vincent's, the wonderful care and concern of the doctors and nurses there was overwhelming for two strangers in a foreign country. They ministered to all our needs and the medical care was excellent.
When it was decided that my husband also needed an emergency triple bypass, he was transferred to Blackrock Clinic. Once again, the solicitude of the doctors and nurses was phenomenal. My gratitude is without bounds for finally saving my husband's life.
However, there is more to this tale of gratitude. There were so many acts of kindness afforded to me while I was alone. The people in the hospitals who were visiting there and heard about our plight offered me lifts and assistance. Father Jerry Byrne, the chaplain, often came to speak to us. The hotel management at Jury's looked after me and tended to my every need. There wasn't one staff member who was not involved in assisting me. The doormen watched out for me as I travelled back and forth to the hospital.
While the experience could have been one of isolation and anxiety, the incredible people of Dublin, made it a miraculous experience. The people of Ireland may not be leprechauns, but their compassion, concern, spirituality, and love was like a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow after the soft mist in Ireland. The Irish people of Dublin will never be forgotten by these two strangers from America, and our hearts are filled with gratitude for all they did to turn a hardship into an incredible journey into Irish hearts. With heartfelt thanks. - Yours, etc.,
Jane Guzowski, Flushing, New York, USA.