I spent today at the VA Hospital here in St. Pete. My friend Mark had to have some out-patient-surgery and his significant other was unavailable to take him to the hospital. Hospitals in general provide an instant reality check and remind us that we are blessed when we are healthy.

Being in a Veterans Hospital gives an even greater wake-up call. It is a reminder that there are men and woman who now live without limbs and facing recovery from a wide variety of wounds both mental and physical from protecting our freedoms. I confess I haven't considered the struggles of those that return from war with injuries. I have taken time to morn and appreciate those that have died but failed to remember those that live daily with the after effects that they live with daily.

Happily Mark's surgery wasn't a result of any combat or directly related to any military action. It was a blessing that in this age of ever increasing hospitalization and insurance costs, the VA hospital offers treatment for those that have served our country.

Mark is currently home and his lovely lady is nursing him through his recovery.

May all those who are struggling with health problems find their way to the road to recovery. A special thank you to those that staff Veterans Hospitals and provide care for our Veterans.