A ‘very long overdue’ thank you

To the editor:
    I know this is long overdue and my sincere apologies, but on behalf of the Frank and Micheline Patane family I send out our gracious thanks for all the support, donations and prayers while my wife Micheline was going through a kidney transplant in Portland and my son Frank being the donor. You will be happy to know we are now passed the 90-day rejection period and all is well.     You know it’s the people behind the scenes that deserve the appreciation, you know that ones. They do things and don’t expect anything in return, like the staff of the Aroostook Republican, who respected our privacy during that very traumatic first day. My great neighbor Dave Walsh and Edgar Gagnon. Without these men I would have never been able to get in my driveway especially with the amount of snow we had this year and yep, you guessed it my snow blower is broke down. Then you have the very special Joyce Day and her sorority who’s gracious gas card helped our family be together for the holidays. The wonderful people Sears in Presque Isle who’s gracious donations defiantly helped with the medical bills. The American Legion and the Caribou Lioness Club for the great benefit supper. The food was great. My brave brothers and sisters of the Caribou Fire and Ambulance Department for their support, donation and genuine concern for my wellbeing, thank you my other family. The people of DFAS Limestone, whose unselfish donation of time allowed my wife to have enough time for the surgery and her recovery. To Brad Godin and friends, my other son. Your kindness will never go unnoticed.
    Last, but by no means least, one of the bravest men I know, my son Frank. You made me the proudest father on earth the day of the operation when they were ready to wheel you in to the operating room, you stopped to kiss your mom on the forehead and told her, “Mom, in a few hours you’re going to be healthy again.” It doesn’t matter what other people say or have done, God knows what you did for your mom that day.
    I thank all the people I forgot to mention. Please forgive me, it’s been one heck of a year. We love you all.
Frank Patane Sr., Micheline and Frank Jr.
Caribou