Gwen Graham: “I extend to you and to my colleagues deep appreciation from me and my family for the many expressions of concern and…”

“I extend to you and to my colleagues deep appreciation from me and my family for the many expressions of concern and best wishes which have flowed to us over the past 6 weeks. I report to the Senate that this is my second day back on the job since my operation. I feel increasingly strong and energetic, sufficiently so that I feel this is the time to come to the Senate floor and talk about the issue before us. Before I do that, I especially extend my appreciation to the Republican leader and our colleague and friend, Senator Bill Frist. As we know, before becoming a Senator, it was Dr. Bill Frist. He happened to be a cardiac surgeon. When it was clear to me I was going to have to have cardiac surgery, and when that fact became known by a number of my friends, I had an almost mountain of suggestions as to what I should do, where I should go, who the surgeon should be. Finally, my friend and former colleague, Connie Mack, called me and suggested I should talk to Senator Frist, who actually knows something about this, which I did. He gave me excellent advice and a substantial amount of reassurance. Then after the operation, while I was still in the hospital, he came and visited. That was a touching moment for Adele and myself that he would make that effort. I particularly thank Senator Frist for his display of humanity during this period.”