All too often we take for granted the excellent medical services and facilities we have available to us as residents of Albert Lea.

My parents, Virgil and Wilma Johnston, moved to Albert Lea from Fulton, Mo., over six years ago when they were in their late 80s. They have been living independently at Luther Place Condominiums at St. John’s Lutheran Home until two months ago.

My father was hospitalized at Naeve Hospital and then transferred to St. John’s Lutheran Home’s short-term care unit for nine weeks of rehabilitation. Two weeks later my mother broke her hip which required surgery at the Albert Lea Medical Center. She then moved in across the hall from my father at St. John’s for six weeks of physical therapy.

We were always confident that when the time came and my parents required short-term care, it would be available at St. John’s. We, however, had no idea how excellent that care would be.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation to the Albert Lea Medical Center and St. John’s Lutheran Home for the exceptional care they provided for my parents. Whatever their needs, it was addressed in the most professional and caring manner.

My parents have now returned home to Luther Place and are living independently again.

Joe Johnston

Albert Lea