Going Above And Beyond
Wednesday - December 16, 2009
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Del.icio.usDear Pamela,
I would like to commend Mike Verner, owner of French Wrench Shell on Ward, for going out of his way. I picked up my daughter-in-law from the hospital after her knee surgery and discovered that my radiator was leaking terribly. I drove the the nearest service station, which happened to be Mr. Verner’s. He checked my car and told me I had to leave it with him so he could work on it. I had no way home and my daughter-inlaw was in pain. Mr. Verner then had his gracious and warm mechanic Kai drive us home and pick us up a few hours later so my daughter-in-law could take a flight back to her home on the Big Island. Due to additional problems with the car, I had to return to the service station the next day. I’m certain the expenses and time exceeded the initial estimate; however, Mr. Verner did not charge me any more.
How can I possibly repay this generous human being for going above and beyond his job? I cannot. Therefore I am writing so our community can recognize him for his kindness and compassion, which is rarely seen in this dog-eat-dog world of ours. I am a grateful kupuna who will always remember him as a Good Samaritan.
Winona Akana
Hawaii Kai
Dear Winona,
Mike Verner says the card you sent him and Kai Do was enough. “She didn’t need to write a public letter,” he says. “I try to do this for all my customers. The idea is to make them feel like home. They’re family members, not just customers.”
Dear Pamela,
On Nov. 1 my boyfriend Francisco, better known as “Pancho,” suffered a cardiac arrest while playing in a Men’s Island Soccer Organization league game. There were several people who came to his rescue, and without their immediate attention Pancho might not be alive today. One month later and much overdue, we would like to take a moment to commend their heroic actions and give a heartfelt, sincere “Thank you!”
The first responder, who administered CPR to Pancho, was Arno Reynolds. A firefighter by profession, Arno was playing for the opposing soccer team, Kapaolono Dawgs FC. As word spread quickly, a soccer game on the adjacent field was stopped so that several players with medical backgrounds could provide their assistance as well. Those players, all from the team Waikiki FC, were doctors Tom Spheris and Chris Taylor, and nurse Rob Meierdiercks. Words cannot express our gratitude.
We would like to recognize the MISO athletic trainer on site that day, Michelle Harrington. Also Lucille Lew, who so generously donated to MISO the AED recently used to revive Pancho.
Thank you, Queen’s Hospital. The Cardiac Unit was wonderful, not only in Pancho’s medical treatment, but also in showing compassion and having patience with those of us who were there for Pancho.
Finally, thank you to all of our friends, family and coworkers who have shown just tremendous love and support for us during Pancho’s hospital stay and recovery. We are humbled by your kindness, and so grateful to have you in our lives.
Jamie Oyakawa and Francisco “Pancho”
Macias Tenorio
Dear Jamie and Pancho,
A standing ovation to the team effort to assist Pancho. Our medical professionals (among the best in the nation!) are generous with their time and expertise. May you spend this holiday season spreading the spirit of ohana so openly shared with you.
(If you know someone who deserves some Applause, send your letters to Pamela Young, MidWeek Applause, KITV, 801 S. King St., Honolulu, HI, 96813 or e-mail pyoung@kitv.com. Include your name, phone number and, if possible, the phone number of your “applaudee” so we can contact him or her.)
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