Ed Flanagan visited Fletcher Allen Health Care today to thank the many people who played roles in his recovery from a car accident a year ago. It was an emotional visit, with Flanagan repeatedly thanking the group of doctors, nurses, social workers and others who dropped by to see their former patient. And they thanked him back, saying that seeing him walking and talking was their reward.

Flanagan said he had wanted to make the visit for a long time, but put it off during the campaign season. Still, it wasn't like he didn't mix a little politics into his visit, giving a short speech in which he pledged to work for universal health care. He noted with a smile that everyone in the room might not agree with his politicis, but they made it possible for him to return to the Legislature. He was recently re-elected to the state Senate. "I'm back," he said, "having all the political arguments."

"Standing before you, with the breath you salvaged, I express my deepest gratitude."

For more on Flanagan's visit, look for my article tomorrow.

-- Nancy Remsen