Our dad passed away Dec. 8, 2008. We are thankful that we had him in our life for as long as we did. Not everyone is that lucky.

The last two months of his life he spent in a hospital in Sebring, Fla., and then he was flown to Lawrence & Memorial Hospital in New London. Even though it was a very emotional time for us we are thankful we met so many wonderful, caring people.

The nurses at both hospitals were spectacular. One nurse in particular, Cindy Stone, became our angel. She arranged for our dad to come to Connecticut, and spent hours helping us care for our dad at home.

We are thankful for hospice for the loving care they gave our dad and the emotional support they provided for our family. Most of all we are thankful for our family, who rallied around our dad and were there when he passed away.

Today we say thank you to the doctors, nurses, volunteers, friends, co-workers and family for all the support we received since our dad's passing and who helped us get through the past year.

Editor's note: The writer submitted this on behalf of the family of Philip V. Sanborn Sr.