In her article in the Mystic Times, “A Tribute to Nurses with a Spotlight on Janeen D. Porter, BSN, RN, MPH,” writer Ruth W. Crocker brings to light the essence of who we are as a community through her focus on one gentle soul and her contributions to us all. I wish to compliment Ms. Crocker on her article on one of the great people in my life; I was moved by this article. This article, lovely and poignant as it is, gives me great joy, too.

I grew up with Mrs. Porter as her eldest son, Tim, was my best friend in elementary school and middle school. Her home in Rockville, Md., was filled with children. She loved us all and we felt it even when we were more naughty than nice. She was a person who comforted little children like me, and I will be eternally grateful. I still visit my best buddy Tim in Mystic; and we remember his mother as if she were standing next to us. Her presence is palpable.

This is what nurses do; they care better than most, and leave us feeling loved. That love, for me, has lasted my whole life. “Thank you, Mrs. Porter, and all nurses who change our lives with their care and love.”

John Holden

Clermont, Fla.