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Letter to the editor Dear Colleagues and Friends: It is our heartfelt thanks and appreciation that my family and I offer for the tremendous outpouring of love and support in the tragic death of our son Robert Junior on Feb. 28 in Charleston. This has been one of the worst nightmares that my family and I wish would come to no family. As an employee for 21 1/2 years at MUSC everyone there is considered an extension of my family. My interaction with everyone is purposeful, meaningful, and precious, as well as constructive.    As a registered nurse in the Medical Intensive Care Unit, and at times in the capacity as a charge nurse, the usual call for a patient to be admitted to the unit would be a typical one: The telephone would ring, and one of the carious employees on duty that day would answer and say, “MICU, this is ___, how may I help you?”  There would be a physician on the other end of the telephone, and he would say, “May I please speak to the charge nurse. I have a patient that I have to admit to the unit.” In sequence the charge nurse would acknowledge bed availability, receive a patient history and prepare the accepting registered nurse admittance of the patient. On the aforementioned day, this didn't happen to me. I was preparing myself to go to college that morning for my first English class when I received the horrific news.   Working at MUSC we all are constantly faced with the daily challenges of life and death. No matter what our job description is, the services that we provide are for the good of humanity. This is shown in our integrity, ethical behavior, and respect and love for one another, our patients, and the community that we serve. We as a people value life. We as a people find meaning in life. We as people find life to be purposeful despite the daily bombardment of tragedy, sickness and disease, lawlessness, senseless killing, and wanton and barbaric acts of crime. Our world has shown us there is deviant behavior everywhere and less regard for human life. These are some of the issues in our society that we are faced with every day. These are also issues that our children are exposed to and must also deal with once they leave the comfort of home. Ironically, these are the very individuals that we provide medical, nursing, psychiatric and psychological, pharmaceutical, sociological, environmental, legal, ethical and moral support to with love and caring and without judgment. As a professional, I will continue to provide excellent nursing care, love, compassion and support to my fellowman.   This is the very essence of life, this is the very essence of nursing. Your outgoing show of love and support has truly been tremendous, and as one we all are one unique family, my sincere hope is that everyone takes very good care of themselves. Become street savvy, remember there is safety in numbers, educate your children about the dangers lurking in the streets, and with the advancement in telecommunications, keep in contact with your children and everyone meaningful and purposeful in your life. Sincerely, Lucinda Magwood, R.N.     Friday, March 17, 2006 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island papers at 849-1778, ext. 201.