
                         THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
                 Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, June 4, 1994                    TAG: 9406080574 
SECTION: DAILY BREAK                     PAGE: B7    EDITION: FINAL  
SOURCE: By Shirley Beatty Leafe, Special to The Daily Break 
DATELINE: 940604                                 LENGTH: Medium

POSTSCRIPT: REUNION AND REJOICING

{LEAD} In late summer of 1993, five doctors from Kaliningrad were invited to visit hospitals in Norfolk and Richmond. Each of the visiting physicians played an important role in the life-threatening experience we had in Russia. It was a wonderful opportunity to see them again and to thank them in person for their care and concern. It was a chance to introduce the dozens of players in the international adventure we had shared.

We celebrated with a barbecue supper at our home. As we awaited the arrival of the Russian physicians, my anticipation grew. I could not imagine how to express my gratitude, admiration and respect to these angels of mercy who had saved my life. And then, it just happened - Dr. Willi appeared, with a huge smile on his face and a bear hug for Joe and for me. Very shortly, Dr. Galina Lukomovich, the neurosurgeon who had operated on me, came forward. We embraced silently and then stepped back and took long looks at each other. I realized my memory of her was incorrect, as she was much smaller and prettier than I had recalled. Her manner was gentle and her voice was soft and low. An interpreter helped us exchange words of greeting and assurance that I was totally recovered and feeling well.

A laughing Dr. Raisa Chudiakova, one of the anesthesiologists, was next at my side. She described an amusing encounter she had with me following my brain surgery. She was trying to rouse me from the anesthesia and she called out, ``Open your eyes'' in Russian. I immediately did as she asked, so she continued with other instructions, which I totally ignored. She had thought I understood her language, and then realized that I was simply regaining consciousness and had reacted involuntarily to her loud shout.

Dr. Konstantin Poliakov, the administrator of Kaliningrad Regional Hospital, and Dr. Nina Gadasiuk, the director of health care in the Kaliningrad region, were the last of our honored guests to arrive. Animated conversations were everywhere.

Dr. Britt, who had conducted the telephone connections and arranged the consultation with Dr. Penix and Dr. Lukomovich, was able to acknowledge the skills displayed by the physicians in the care they provided me. Strangers became friends very quickly.

As the evening drew to a close, I found myself sitting alone with Dr. Galina. Words were unnecessary as she meekly raised her hand toward my head. I leaned forward in compliance as she ran her sensitive hand through my hair and touched the scar that remains. She smiled tenderly and nodded as she whispered, ``Is good.''

I hugged her warmly and whispered in return, ``Is good, Galina, is very good!''

{KEYWORDS} MAIN STORY ON PAGE B1.\

by CNB