Unexpected Angels: Promises Fulfilled!
By Rita Culvern
After graduating in 1964 from St. Joseph’s Infirmary School of Nursing, Atlanta, Rita worked as staff nurse, OR/ER nursing supervisor, utilization review/DRG coordinator, was director of nursing services for five years. She is now the Administrator/CEO of 37-bed Jefferson Hospital in Louisville, Georgia, USA. Rita is a member of Georgia Hospital Association’s Board of Trustees, the Vice Chair for Jefferson County Economical Development Authority, and from 1998-2001 was the Chair of Georgia Hospital Association’s Council on Small and Rural Hospitals.

As we enter this time of Advent and dwell on the fulfillment of the promise of the birth of our Lord and Savior, I think of an Advent remembered, December 1990. It had been a sad year for me, one full of loss, illness, and depression. You see, I lost my best friend on March 1, 1990. Bob Culvern was my father-in-law. What a cold sounding title for someone who was my mentor, my best friend, my soul mate in so many ways.

Bob suffered for three long years with pancreatic cancer before he finally died. He suffered to the very end---but he bore the pain (which was extreme) with grace and dignity. We visited once or twice every day during those three years. Bob and Helen just had the two sons, so in 1965 when I became the first daughter-in-law, and since I was a nurse, I guess I became his little girl. He always treated me as special, and since I had just lost my own father that was fine with me.

Bob was a banker and it tickled him that I liked to save and was frugal. (I do love a bargain!) He taught me many things about business and finance as we had those long visits toward the end. Little did I know that Bob was preparing me for a much greater role than I could have imagined.

Finally the time drew near and I think he knew. Bob asked to go to the hospital, not wanting his beloved Helen to see him die at home. I sat on the bed and held his hand. He said good-bye to each of us in his own way. About three p.m. Bob finally lapsed into a coma. His breathing was very labored. Still, I sat and held his hand. At about seven o’clock his head suddenly jerked upright and he stared up as if his name had been called. I was startled and turned to see who he was looking at, who had called him----no one was there---as I turned back I had the sensation of a spirit swishing past and as I looked at “Papa” I could see he was gone. Someone had come for him. His promise had been fulfilled!

A few weeks later, the suspicious cervical exams that I had put off dealing with, resulted in a total hysterectomy. The cancer was pervasive throughout the cervix, but the surgery was a success. I was surprised at how I felt about that surgery. Many of my women friends had had hysterectomies. We almost think of it in casual terms, yet I felt as if I had had an amputation. After a short depressive crying gag, my physician prescribed hormone replacement and my usual ebullient personality returned.

As Advent came around, I sadly thought of Christmas without “Papa”. Not a day went by that I did not think of him. On December 10, 1990 I was approached by the Hospital Authority and offered the position of interim Administrator/CEO. I had been Director of Nursing for many years. Our hospital is a 37-bed rural hospital and had been losing physicians and money for several years. Employee morale was at an all time low, there was no cash to pay bills. Our vendors were demanding payment! We began by having total quality management meetings. Our focus was on turning around cash flow, controlling expenses, and providing the best quality patient care we could manage. “Papa” was right there with me as I accepted this challenge and his presence continues to counsel and guide me daily. You see, I know in my mind what his position would be on most issues I face daily---just as we know what Jesus would counsel before we even form the question.

It is hard for me to think that “Papa” has been gone for fourteen years. The hospital is doing fine. We are considered one of the best little rural hospitals in our area. We are financially sound. Our employees own their jobs and take great pride in their hospital. Our medical staff has grown every year and we have several home town medical students on scholarship. We have primary care clinics in three of our county’s towns. We have just completed a beautiful Emergency Department complex, and a new addition out front. Our Authority members are all godly men and women, who never ask if a project will make money or be fiscally responsible---they ask,” is this something that will benefit the health needs of our residents”. We are truly blessed. I think we have a guardian angel looking out for us. Another promise fulfilled!

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