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Christmas And Dr. Eiben

Creator: n/a
Date: 1959
Publication: Toomeyville Jr. Gazette
Source: Gazette International Networking Institute
Figures From This Artifact: Figure 1  Figure 2  Figure 3  Figure 4  Figure 5  Figure 6  Figure 7

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Probably everyone has someone in their life who has meant so much to them that describing him is beyond ordinary expression. Last June the ex-patients of Toomey, who have felt the magnitude of Dr. Eiben, secretly decided to tell him about it with these individual tributes. During the past six months, there were many notes of discouragement because none of us knew the words to fit the size of the feeling.

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If you do not know Dr. Eiben, you may have once known someone like him who, through all tests, seems to possess a quality somehow beyond the rest of mankind -- for you.

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This issue is dedicated to our Chief -- Dr. Robert M. Eiben, the Medical Director of Cleveland's Respiratory Center.
The Editorial Staff

CHRISTMAS AND DR. EIBEN
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The Christmas issue is the most appropriate edition to devote to Dr. Eiben, because the season and the man are so alike. This statement may lead you to wonder how a holiday season and a human being can possibly have any similarity. In this article I will attempt to show exactly how they are synonymous.

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They both inspire hope. Christmas and all its connotations bring hope to the hearts of everyone in the essential goodness of man. This is the season when faith in mankind is restored and strengthened. So also does Dr. Eiben impart hope to his many polio patients. Take to him any seemingly solutionless problem; he takes your problem very seriously, first restores your faith in yourself, then presents new angles, and together you conquer the problem. You may think that such a busy man would not have time to listen to your troubles. Dr. Eiben takes time. Helping people is his business and he devotes most of his time to those who need him. And, take it from one who has received his help many times, they appreciate it. Do you recognize another similarity? Christmas is a time for giving gifts; and Dr. Eiben is always giving his gifts of kindness, understanding and patience.

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And there is still a third way in which they are alike. They are both welcomed with warmth and enthusiasm. The joyous season of Christmas with its spirit of good will is always heartily received as are the warm personality and good sense of humor that Dr. Eiben possesses. The two are always greeted with sincere welcome.

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There you have three reasons why this wonderful season is a most excellent time to pay tribute to this wonderful man.
Donna McGwinn

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One of the many virtues of having had polio is that I now have time to think. When doing my thinking I find that I am more often than not giving thanks rather than damnations.

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That the editors of Junior should have, consciously or unconsciously, chosen this time of year to pay tribute to Dr. Eiben is most appropriate. For it is the time of thanksgiving and joy, and it is apropos that I publicly give thanks to Dr. Eiben.

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I can't make him Doctor of the year, have Congress strike a 24 carat solid gold medal, or the post office issue a commemorative stamp in his honor. But I do make him benefactor of my 24 carat solid gold thanks. Dr. Eiben "stamped" himself commemoratively in the hearts of thousands of polios and non-polios by being the man, friend, and doctor we would all like to be.
John Lambour

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All doctors are interested in helping people in general and the progress made in techniques, medicines and equipment. However, a truly great doctor, such as Dr. Eiben, that devotes all of his time and energy to a hospital practice has a more than average interest in us, the patients. Let's be practical -- we all know that a private practice would be much more profitable -- in a monetary way, that is.

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Dr. Eiben does not treat only the disease -- he treats the patient. We all know that the disease varies in each individual, as to intensity and involvement. There are also other things to be considered: degrees of maturity, ability to adjust, having someone on the "outside" to care and help, finances, vanity, intelligence and many, many more. All these things mean a great deal to him when he treats one.

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I personally have see Dr. Eiben come into our ward tired, and not feeling too well himself. If anyone of us presented him our problem, whether it be about our eggs not being served to our satisfaction that morning, or a very important problem, he listened. I mean he really listened. Lots of people listen, but you know before you are through stating your case that you have lost them. I cannot say in all honesty that he solved everything for all of us. He is not a Solomon. He did care and try to help us find a little insight into things over which we had not control. He encouraged us to use our full faculties, both mental and physical. He was one of us and never made us feel there was even the thinnest line between patient and doctor. He discussed his family with us and we with him. There was a comraderie there that I have never found in any hospital before or with any other professional man.

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To be this devoted to your profession and fellow man is a true virtue and comes from a very deep unselfish feeling. I comes not from a desire to be rich or famous but to help. He, to me, is what all doctors are supposed to signify.

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Dr. Eiben is one of the most humble, warm-hearted and dedicated men I have ever been privileged to know.
Eileen Koelliker

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There isn't anything any one could say that would sufficiently express my feelings for Dr. Eiben.
Susan Armbrecht

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Remember, I'm no Poe or Longfellow nor do I think they could describe how I feel or think of Dr. Eiben.

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I think of him as never being too busy to listen to those troubles big and small and answering as honestly as he can.
Jack Shadley

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"Kind, noble, strong, wise, devoted, unselfish, -- these are my physician."
Anonymous

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This quotation aptly tho inadequately describes a very dear friend, Dr. Eiben. My concern is his concern. When I am happy, he is happy -- when I am despondent he is sympathetic, while trying to cheer me. His thoughtfulness is apparent when despite a busy schedule, he take time to listen to every complaint no matter how trivial. I am very anxious to tell him of my progress as I know he will smile and say, "Gee that's fabulous."

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When I have needed advice he is ever ready to counsel me. He has been strength when I have been the weakest. His thoughtfulness has endeared him to my husband and family. He will always be a welcome visitor in our home. It is difficult to express one's self about so great a man, but let me say "thank you, Dr. Eiben, for being just the way your are."
Dorothy Nicholson

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To me it is a great privilege to try in a small way to express my regard for a truly wonderful Doctor and friend in the hour of sickness and despair.

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When I met Dr. Eiben face to face in my critical hour -- and was told I had polio -- my fright was beyond words, but his kindness and reassurance made it possible to fight for life. Dr. Eiben's medical care was always at hand when emergencies arose to calm and assure the patient, his voice always gave guidance and courage to fight on, also great moral support.

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Only the patients who have fought on with me can truly understand that words do not express the tribute I wish to bestow upon Dr. Eiben.

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Even after moving away I hope to always have a close relationship with the Cleveland Center -- and it's Chief -- the wonderful Dr. Eiben.

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Best wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year to you and yours.
Sally Russell

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Dr. Eiben would always let us try anything new. He would let us experiment with any wild idea -- if it seemed at all possible. He never stood in the way and he always helped.

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He is the one who inspires the most confidence in what is being done for us.
Don Kollar

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"Real People." What do these two words mean to us who have suffered through polio? In the course of the illness we feel set apart from normal people.

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There's an intense need of recapturing the feeling of being real people again. To us Dr. Eiben has been the source of our long trips back to adjustment and reality. Without being too "doctorish" he answers questions in a language we understand. Never has he created false hopes and his honest straight forward answers help us recognize what it will always mean to live with our limitations.

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His sense of humor has bridged many a low point for us and has smoothed over our fears and panic connected with new and strange situations. In my own experience, his help, when I was getting ready to be discharged, was absolutely wonderful. He prepared me for problems I'd face at home. He helped the community organize and start the necessary changes in my home, and last but not least he gave me an assurance that his help will always be available at the hospital should illness complicate my status further.

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Yes, we "polios" want to be "real people" again. We know we can't be the same as we were before our illness but we also know there is a lot of living possible even for the most handicapped. We owe deep thanks to Dr. Eiben for his tremendous part in enabling us to live our lives to the fullest of our own possibilities.

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God bless you, Dr. Eiben, for everything. With your help we again are "real people."
Betty Lewandowski

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I got to know "Doc" Eiben during my tour as a patient at Toomey. He is a very remarkable man. As a medical doctor he is one of the very best in the country. While "Doc" and I did not always see eye to eye on various subjects, I believe he is one of the best read and best qualified men that I have ever had any discussion with. Win or lose, his is a sportsman all the way.
Vern Colburn

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Wouldn't miss paying tribute to our good Dr. Eiben, whose devotion to his patients has endeared him to all of us. Every problem, whether trivial or tremendous, is attended to conscientiously by our boss-man. This nickname was given to him out of genuine respect by his polio charges; who not only have faith in his medical advice but think of him as a friend. His daily visitations through the hospital wards were looked forward to by all.

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I am grateful to Dr. Eiben not only for the many kind deeds he rendered me but for helping me regain my self-confidence. Due to Dr. Eiben's patient and understanding efforts, I was able to cope with my rehabilitation problem. His great stamina has always been a source of amazement to me. I thank the good Lord for doctors such as he.
Ida Brinkman

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Six years ago when I was just starting the long process of learning to breathe, I can remember my disgust with myself because it seemed to me that I was falling short of my planned rate of recuperation. One day after I had again been unable to reach the goal I had hoped for, Dr. Eiben told me that the clock would come down from the wall till I realized it played no part in my adjustment to a new way of life. And he was right -- it didn't.
Mary Jo Sands

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"Hi Ace" "Hi Speedy" "THERE she is"

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These words may never go down in history as among the greatest in Literature. But to the patients of Toomey they mean more than all the utterings of Shakespeare. These words mean that Dr. Eiben is there. And in the way HE speaks them, they mean "trouble is past," "all is right in God's world."
Ruth Davis

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My Humble Tribute to a Magnificent Man:

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Besides possessing all the qualities of a superb Man of Medicine, Dr. Eiben is indeed the perfect Polio Doctor. With his gentle, competent manner, he exudes the confidence so important to Polios.

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No matter what the occasion or circumstance, Dr. Eiben has exactly the right word for each Toomey-ite as he makes his rounds.
Janet Ruehling

43  

Dr. Eiben is such a fabulous person that mere words cannot describe him. He is very devoted to his chosen profession and does a marvelous job of caring for his 'family of patients.' I for one feel a great comfort in knowing that he is available and willing to help all of us at any time -- 24 hours a day -- everyday.
Jean Lang

44  

"Our Good Shepherd:" I am proud to be able to count Dr. Eiben as friend and doctor. To know him, is to know one of the finest doctors of our times.

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He is a rare individual who has pursued a sometimes thankless and unrewarding task. His moral victories have surpassed any worldly gains he may receive. His greatest joy is being able to discharge a patient knowing that he has received the best treatment known.

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After Polio has been fully conquered I'm sure he will find a new foe of mankind and be one of the leaders in the fight against it.

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He has made his mark in the world and his star will continue to shine even brighter.

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"One of the flock" Ruth Shema

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Alias Dr. Wonderful -- If you were to look up the meaning of the word wonderful in the dictionary you would find many meanings. For instance, it would say, a person or thing that causes a feeling of admiration for, good, excellent, fine, deserving of admiration. That is why I have chosen the title, Dr. Wonderful, to describe and pay a tribute to a truly fine doctor, Our Dr. Eiben!

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As my closing I would like to leave you with this thought --

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"A person so full of good virtues
As our Dr. Eiben is sure,
There will always be room in my heart
With a feeling warm and secure.
His character will remain solid and strong.
Through all of his trial, short or long.
His place in eternity, will be of the highest throng
For his way has been hard, he tries never to do wrong."
Marilyn "Lynn" Martinka

52  

I remember how Dr. Eiben made his rounds each evening and that he was always glad to listen to the fears and even the "gripes." My mother tells me that she gleaned much form his Sunday lectures. My folks were so ignorant of the "dread" polio that his clear and to the point instructions were a godsend.
John Berry

53  

He's a nice guy. It is a real pleasure to be associated with him.
Dick Miller

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He's a good friend.
Burt Bacon

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I want to say Merry Xmas and Happy New Year. Also I want to thank Dr. Eiben and his staff for their wonderful care while I was with them. They are all a wonderful group and I want to say Thank You.
Marian Stieger

56  

It gives me great pleasure at this time to be able to write about such a fine man known as Dr. Eiben. The many doctors I have met in the different hospitals I have been in since I left Cleveland, -- he is tops with me.

57  

The interest he has for his patients in trying to make them comfortable and to be able to use what they have to a best advantage means a lot to one who is immobile.

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May your holiday season be blessed with happiness.
Rita Ford

59  

Confidence, the greatest gift anyone could want, that's what Dr. Eiben gave me. Any patient will agree there is nothing too minute or magnanimous that Dr. Eiben would not attempt for them just for the asking.
Adele Mockbee

60  

There is nothing that I can say that would show how very grateful I am to Dr. Eiben for all that he has done for me during the last five years. No matter how busy he has been he has always had the time to listen to my problems and I'm sure that everyone who knows him will agree with me when I say that there is no one to whom it is easier to talk. His pet names, which are more familiar to some than are their own, his kindness, and his understanding are just a few of the things which have endeared him to he hearts of both patients and staff alike. All in all to me he is a very special person.
Mickie McGraw

61  

I think I will always remember Dr. Eiben for his pleasant smile which always made me better no matter how sick I was. He always makes a joke or a wisecrack and is always anxious to help if he possibly could.
Kathy Harrigan

62  

Season's Greetings to you and your family.

63  

We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks to you for the wonderful care and every kindness you extended to Sharon during her stay in City Hospital.

64  

It was indeed our privilege to know you. Thank you again.
Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Baxter

65  

I think it a fine idea that Dr. Eiben is to be given a tribute in Jr. He is very deserving of honor as I'm sure everyone knows. I know that he aided me and many others to get through the trying ordeals that only a polio can know. I can remember many a time when I needed encouragement and he was always there ready to give it. He always seemed to treat each patient as a special case. And everyone knows how much that means to a patient.
Don Schaefer

66  

From the very first day I met Dr. Eiben, he has been very kind and understanding. To us who at first, have seemingly lost so much he has given hope, wherever possible. After Dr. Eiben first examined me, I well remember him saying, "You will be a good candidate for Frog Breathing," and went on to explain all the advantages. This surely boosted my morale, and it has been the greatest accomplishment I have been able to make. Dr. Eiben has seemingly bent over backward to fill our needs for equipment, or what ever, to help replace what our muscles should do. He made my family feel more at ease when they first talked to him about my case, and has been a continual inspiration to them all along. His constant interest and straight forward manner is beyond the call of duty.
Blaine Hart

67  

Although it has been four years, I can still recall the day I first saw you, and you called me a louse. Then, of course, I didn't realize you were trying to get some fight out of me, and I do believe I fought. That God continue to guide you in your great work is my most fervent wish.
Diane Salamon (Bug)

68  

I'm writing this from the point of view of the loved ones of the patients. When they talk to him, he never rushes them but gives them ample time with explanations and advice. They know he's fighting on their side.
Frances Huvler

69  

T is for "tribute" we'd all like to pay,
H im for guiding us on our Polio way.
A lways ready with a helpful suggestion,
N ever leaving us with indigestion.
K indness is his bylaw, considerate, too,
S elf-effacing, modest, really true-blue.

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D is for "Dr.", I've met quite a few,
R is for "Rx," prescription for you.

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R is for "Reality" he helped us face,
O is for "Order," everything in its place.
B is for "Beautiful," that life can be,
E is for "Everyone" who reveres him, you see.
R is for "Right Attitude," he wisely assured,
T is for he's "Terrific" -- is there another word?

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M is for "Might" with which we must fight.

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E is for "Effort" we use day and night.
I is for "Interest," his percentage is high,
B lare the bugles to the highest sky.
E ach of us sing his praises, loud and clear,
N ow a great big THANK YOU for all to hear

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Submitted humbly to a fine gentleman
Ruth Meckler