[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4753]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 IN HONOR OF THE REVEREND RANDALL TREGO

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 24, 2014

  Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a man who has put 
God and others above himself. The Reverend Randall Trego has been a 
blessing to The Woodlands through his ministry. As chaplain at St. 
Luke's The Woodlands Hospital for the past 11 years, Rev. Trego has 
helped families heal. Since the hospital's opening in 2003, patients, 
staff, and families have all relied on Rev. Trego for loving, spiritual 
guidance.
  Rev. Trego began his service at St. Luke's The Woodlands Hospital 
with four volunteers as part of his pastoral care team. Today those 
same individuals have been joined by 19 other spiritual caregivers. St. 
Luke's volunteer chaplains come from all faiths and are available to 
all patients, employees, doctors, nurses, and visitors 24 hours a day, 
seven days a week.
  In 2004, Rev. Trego, began what has become known as the ``feelie 
heart'' ministry. Inspired by another's story, the Reverend encouraged 
his team to make small fabric hearts to give to those who needed 
encouragement. With love, the team initially made 50 hearts to give 
away. To date, nearly 30,000 hearts have been hand made by volunteers, 
organizations and even the families of prior patients. The hearts have 
become so important to patients that those having surgery have their 
feelie heart pinned to the underside of their gurney for reassurance.
  This week Rev. Trego is retiring, but not before performing his last 
Blessing of the Hands ceremony on Tuesday, March 25. Annually, the 
Reverend has offered this ceremonial washing, drying, and anointing of 
hands in service to others. Over 2,000 individuals have participated in 
these ceremonies that serve as a reminder of God's healing power and 
compassion. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating this special 
day.
  It can't be overstated what a tremendously important part of the 
fabric of St. Luke's The Woodlands Hospital that Rev. Trego has become. 
He truly embodies St. Luke's motto of ``Faithful, Loving Care.'' As the 
St. Luke's family honors him this week and receive their Blessings from 
him, they reflect on how they have been blessed by this man's faith, 
compassion, and dedication. Bless you, Rev. Trego. Your retirement is 
well earned.

                          ____________________