The holidays are full of stories, songs and movies depicting travelers coming from near and far bringing gifts. Some of the most famous gift bearers are the three kings or wise men, the little drummer boy, those bearing oil for lamps, and of course Santa Claus! The main ingredients in each of these holiday stories are love, gratitude, and joy.

Each of us this holiday season will also celebrate our own story. We will journey, near or far, to visit loved ones and friends, and celebrate quality time with one another. Each of us will bring that special gift that reflects our love and gratitude, and captures the true essence of the uniqueness of the relationships with those we visit. We revel in the moment when our loved one or friend unwraps the gift we bring, and we patiently wait for the joy in their eyes to see the gift revealed! As we grow older and wiser, the best gifts we bring are not adorned with beautiful paper and bows, but wrapped deep in our hearts. Our very presence at our holiday gatherings is the best present and brings the greatest joy!

Every year, I am also reminded that for many in our community, the actual holiday is a workday. I know for our team at Beebe Healthcare, many of our doctors, nurses and staff spend the holidays separated from their loved ones in order to take care of us! The past three years of holidays have been strained due to the pandemic and our need to isolate from each other to keep safe. Our Beebe team members have sacrificed so much to bring the gifts of care to all our community members when we need it the most, whether it was a planned or emergency visit. Our Beebe teams are ready for you, who come from near or far, with the gifts of excellent healthcare, compassion and big hearts to take care of everyone.

What will you bring when you visit us during the holidays at Beebe Healthcare, or when we come to see you during a home care visit or with our newest mobile health clinic? As a part of Team Beebe, might I ask you to consider bringing the gifts of patience, kindness, understanding and gratitude. Our Beebe heroes, who cared for us during a global pandemic and who continue to care for Sussex County residents and visitors, deserve these gifts.

Every Tuesday in this newspaper, a grateful patient shares their story of excellent care and makes a proud, personal gift in honor of one or more Beebe team members. We realize that some of the most impactful gifts are when you share your stories of excellent care. These stories fill the hearts of Beebe team members, and empower them to continue delivering excellent and compassionate care.

This holiday season, now more than ever, our world and our community need to reflect the same themes of love, gratitude and joy we hear about in our traditional holiday stories and songs. Beebe Healthcare is your local community healthcare system and has been here for over 106 years of holidays! Thank you for your trust in us, your support, and most of all for the gift you are to us!