Class Act

Lee Woodruff, wife of ABC co-anchor Bob Woodruff, has released a press statement I think speaks volumes as to this family's character:

Now that we finally have Bob back in the United States, on behalf of my children and the entire Woodruff family, I want to thank everyone for the overwhelming outpouring of support and love we've received from around the country and around the world.

Your positive thoughts, prayers and good wishes have sustained us over the last 72 hours as we have experienced the highs and lows of this emotional roller coaster. Bob could not have made the progress he has to date without the unbelievable care he received from the military in Iraq, Germany and now, Bethesda. Simply put, they saved his life. There are no words to express our gratitude.

We realize that our family is going through something that thousands of military families have experienced over the last three years since the war began and throughout our history. Bob's name may be more recognizable but his story is no more important. He would be the first to insist that the attention should be focused on the members of the U.S. military whose heroic actions he has reported on for years.

From the first moment, Bob's ABC News family has done everything and anything they could to support us during this difficult period. Bob is blessed with friends and colleagues who love him mightily. The feeling is mutual.

We are so encouraged by the reports we've received from the doctors. While the coming weeks will bring a number of challenges, we're confident Bob's strength and feisty determination will make possible his recovery and return to the work he loves doing.

That third paragraph is cause enough for lots of respect for Woodruff and his family. 

I pray that he and his camera man heal quickly and fully so that they both can return to work and seriously do what Woodruff insists ought to be done... bring focus and attention to the heroic actions of our military.

Comments

[Bernice Garcia Baca]

I hope Mrs. Woodruff realizes that most of us are not Rush Limbaugh-esque; his comments about Bob's injury were, as almost everything he says, completely out of line. My son-in-law is one of the thousands returning home with brain injuries, but his permanent loss is of little consequence to the public as a whole. Until people actually SEE what can happen as consequence of war, it is easy to remain detached. The fact the Bob Woodruff is a more recognizable name is actually an asset to all of our troops who have come home injured as he has. Their unfortunate circumstance personalizes the war for the millions of Americans who really have no personal investment in this war. For so many people, he is the first person they "know" who has been injured. I know when I first talked about his injury with co-workers, the reaction was deep concern & care, much as would be with a personal acquaintance. Without feeling that they have to divulge the most private information, I hope the Woodruff family will feel comfortable keeping America abreast of his recuperation. I believe this would help immensely with national understanding of the realities of war. My best thoughts go out to Mrs. Woodruff and her children; they have a long road to travel.