Letters (June 29, 2011)

Leaving by choice, because of family

?

I want to set the record straight. As many of you may have heard, it is true that I am leaving Hillsboro. My last day in the clinic will be July 20. How?ever, contrary to what some may have heard, I did not get fired!

For some time, my folks? health has been declining. Additionally, both of my sons live?or will be living, when my younger gets out of active duty in July with the Air Force?in Springfield, Mo. They have informed me they do not intend to live in Kansas again.

As neither I nor my husband have family in Kansas, I have contem??plated a move that would allow me to be more involved in, and much closer, to both factions of my family.

An opportunity to practice medicine in Oklahoma, many hours closer to family, presented itself. After much soul searching, we decided the move would be the best decision for both me and my husband at this time in our lives.

I have bittersweet feelings about leaving Hillsboro. I have been blessed and touched by so many lives here, and will miss so many people. Thank-you for the trust you have placed in me and for the opportunity to care for both this community and the many families I have served. You will always have a special place in my heart.

I hope you will continue to place your trust in Hillsboro Family Practice and the community of Hillsboro for you health-care needs.

Rebecca Lynch, PA-C

Hillsboro

?

We are called to feed the starving people

?

Most of us in Marion County are materially blessed compared to the majority of people living around the world and even in our own county. Few of us have ever felt pangs of hunger due to going for days without food. A minority of us live in luxury and security compared to the majority living in hunger, fear and destitution.

Food for the Hungry reports that because of droughts and other disasters, food costs have surged, causing 40 million additional people to be pushed into hunger.

?Most of these are women and children. Children under 5 are dying the fastest. In some of our work areas, as many as one in seven aren?t making it.?

It is predicted that 18,000 children will die today, and tomorrow and the next day due to the current global food crisis, according to the July issue of Food for the Hungry.

I can?t imagine losing a child or grandchild to starvation. I can?t imagine my daughters selling their bodies to keep their children from starving to death. I would do anything within my power to try and keep my family members from suffering in such a manner.

But what about my ?brothers and sisters? around the world? Am I not called by Christ to care for all others as if they were my brother or sister? Mother Teresa used to say, ?In the poor we meet Jesus in His most distressing disguises.?

Jesus spoke of feeding the hungry, giving the thirsty a drink, taking in strangers, clothing those who needed clothes, caring for the sick and visiting those in prison, and he said, ?As often as you did this to one of the least of my brothers and sisters, you did it to me? (Matt. 25:40).

I am personally convicted about the incredible needs of much of the world and all of the material possessions that I have. I want to put some action to this conviction. I would like to see a county-wide auction this fall, with proceeds going specifically for feeding the hungry in our county, state, nation and around the world. And I will donate my Ironhorse Slammer (motorcycle) to this cause.

If the plight of the poor and hungry touches your heart as well, and you would like to join me in an effort to raise awareness and funds for the hungry, please talk to me or leave a message at 620-947-3730. Thank you.

Glenn Ratzlaff

Hillsboro

?

Hillsboro blood drive drew 48 donors

?

We want to thank everyone who participated in the American Red Cross blood drive June 13. There were 48 people who came in to share their life-giving blood.

We feel proud as blood donors and volunteers, each of you has helped the Red Cross fulfill its mission of providing a safe and ample blood supply.

We thank each of you for being part of this life-saving experience.

We hope you will all look forward to saving more lives at our next drive, which will be 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19, at the Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church.

Shirley Kasper and

Gladys Funk, co-coordinators

Hillsboro

More from Hillsboro Free Press
Down syndrome a common genetic condition among U.S. population
More than 400,000 people have Down syndrome in the United States, according...
Read More