Good Morning.  As you look back on this past year, no doubt memories of struggle and despair are etched in your brain.  The employees of a small-town hospital in northern Maryland will also remember, probably forever, the first time they read this letter from their Mayor.  As leaders, we can all take a page out of Mayor William T Martin's playbook.  He say's it better then I ever could.  Today, I point his words to you, the ones who make the decision to lead each and every day.

"I hope this is the last wave of the pandemic.  I hope staffing shortages and patient ratios will get better.  I hope you continue to stay in healthcare; this world is a better place because of you.  I hope one day society can pay you back for the sacrifices you have made.  I hope you stay healthy and safe.  I hope you are able to take time off to recharge.

When thinking about your efforts and sacrifice, I reflect upon a quote from Florence Nightingale:  "Rather, ten times, die in the surf, heralding the way to a new world, than stand idly on the shore."

I offer you my sincere and heartfelt thank you for heading back into that surf day after day.  I hope you will one day, when the pandemic is behind us and standing on the shores of the new world, look upon your sacrifice with pride seeing all the good you have done to make this world a better place."

William T. Martin

Mayor of Havre de Grace, MD

Grab a coffee, take a deep breath, and continue to be the leader that your team deserves.  Remember, we're all in this together!