When I was at Memorial Hospital for my hand operation, different medications were given to help me with my recovery. One of them caused my legs and feet to swell. I could not stand nor walk. In order to walk again, therapy was begun. They came several times and whoever trained them did a very good job. With a short period of time I had with them, it was then decided that more therapy was needed and that's where Eden Valley Care Center came in.

I was very scared of going to a place that was a convalescent hospital. I have visited several ones here in Salinas and I told my family "No." I was not going to a rehab place here in Salinas. They did some research and asked their friends if they knew of a good rehab center. This is how I became a part-time resident.

The minute I entered Eden Valley Care Center, was like entering a Hacienda that I had been invited to stay at. It did not resemble a convalescent rehab place. It was so clean and the area, where it has a fountain with plants and benches, it was so peaceful. My room was like a room I had when I went on a vacation to Mexico. I am truly thankful that I was able to stay for recovery at Eden Valley Care Center and I was not scared anymore.

Your staff that works at Eden Valley are persons who care and even though they are busy, they still take time to listen and help with extra things. I was amazed how the staff showed compassion, patience and they also expressed excellent attitude. I felt and saw when they took care of me and other residents as well.

Your therapy staff is fantastic. I thought I was going to a gloomy room and be pushed to do exercise. But it was way totally the opposite. They helped and encouraged myself and the patients to exercise. Without realizing, the therapists made me laugh and smile when I was down. They performed their job with great skill. I am very grateful and thankful for all that they did in order for me to walk again and continue my journey for recovery.

Your nurses and CNAs were very kind and so patient and more helpful than I could ever imagined. I know the difference because I have been a patient at a hospital several times. They made my days more bright all the time because they showed me they care. I miss their smiles and always asking me "is there anything else I can do or I need?" They always reminded me not to forget to ring the bell if I needed them. There were times my hand was in so much pain and they stood by my side (because it was not time yet for my pain medication) and took care of me and just being there helped my hand pain more bearable.

I know sometimes my words that I wrote were repetitious but I felt I had to express my thoughts in this letter. I am totally very thankful and grateful that there is a facility for rehab and recovery services. As patients' journey begins for their health recovery, your staff show they care and support them all the way. Thank you.