I Couldn't Say it Better

Friday evening I received the call I knew would come eventually--but just not exactly when. Bill Cook, the founder of the great company I work for had died of conjestive heart failure. Everyone knew he was very sick. But all was well as long as he was seated at his favorite table outside the cafeteria, enjoying his 11:30 lunch almost like clock-work.

Since Friday, I've been reading all the condolesence messages posted on the Cookmedical.com, Twitter, our local newspaper, the Indianapolis Star and Facebook. People from as far away as Muscat Oman have posted rememberances of this incredible man, who alongside his wife Gayle, built a multi-billion dollar company whose products have saved thousands of live--all from a humble beginning in a Bloomington two-bedroom apartment.

I've been giving a good deal of thought about what I could write that would articulate my personal appreciation and gratitude for being part of Cook Medical and more important, Mr. Cook's culture. The truth is, I couldn't. The more I read, the more I realized I was just one of thousands who were deeply saddened and felt his loss.
But one post said it all. Written by my dear friend and colleague Lynsey Randall, her words were the sum of all my feelings. So I repeat them for you here.  Lynsey, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Lynsey Randall and her family

Because of Mr. Cook...

I have an amazing job that I thoroughly enjoy.
I go to work every morning with purpose.
I learn something new and incredible everyday.
I work with honest, caring and compassionate people.
I understand what selflessness looks like.
I learned what it means to be a responsible corporate citizen.
I can put forth a hard day of work, spend quality time with my family and sleep at night.
I will never be afraid to run fast, jump high and fall hard.
I, my husband, Josh, and our children will forever be changed for the better.
My family is living a better life.We can live in vibrant, small-town America (Bloomington), and still feel like we are changing the world everyday.
Btown is alive and growing today.
I now have family in every corner of the globe.
I have seen and experienced the world.
I understand, admire and respect different cultures.
I realize our similarities greatly outnumber our differences.
Physicians have revolutionary treatment options for patients they were once unable to treat.
Patients have hope. Lives have been changed.
My list could go on and on. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He will be greatly missed.









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