Last week’s column from me was MIA. It didn’t happen. It was written.

But, just as I tried to tell my fourth grade teacher Mrs. Ellis when I didn’t bring my multiplication tables in one day, I have a very good excuse.

In the midst of my multi-day hospital stay at River Region, I did try to get my wireless connection working on my computer but was unsuccessful. But as my wife said, “it was a God thing” that I was unable to. “You need to leave that computer alone, do what the doctors tell you and rest,” she said. And, as any good — rather smart — husband will say, I quickly said, “yes ma’am.”

Thus, for the better part of three days, I laid down, rested, flipped through a few cable channels — picked up some great gift ideas from QVC — and did what I was told.

For the better part of three days, while I laid there, I spent the better part of my time thinking, trying like heck not to bother anyone at the office (too much) and working to figure out just how many games my children can possibly download on my phone.

There’s a lot that can be done given the time, but not much when you’re connected to the IV pump and monitor; that tends to slow you down a bit.

And while I won’t go into all the details, I am much better and, as always, a work in progress.

But, I did leave River Region Medical Center with more than a relatively clean bill of health. I left there impressed.

Just like in every community, there are things said about the quality of care at a hospital. Opinions on area hospitals are like belly buttons, everybody has one and they are sometimes round, sometimes innies and sometimes outies. But, I digress.

The fact is, that during my stay, I received great care, but I received better compassion. I had time to ask questions of the nurses and techs who checked on me every two hours or so.

I learned some of their stories, their drive and passion for the jobs they have pursued, and in some cases, their plans for the future.

In the end, a hospital is merely a building, but what makes a hospital great is the people who go to work each day armed with the drive to provide the best care possible.

While some of the naming and branding around River Region has changed in recent weeks, becoming a part of Merit Health, I would expect and hope the quality of people doesn’t.

To the staff, my sincere thanks for great care you have given me and thank you for the continued great care you provide all of us.