Monday, July 23, 2012

A letter to Angel-care givers!

This is a copy of the letter we sent to the skilled nursing facility that cared for our Mom with such dignity, kindness and skill in her final days.  we are forever in their debt.


Gail Eichinger/Nancy Kelly
56 Saginaw Trail
Guilford, CT 06437  
203-457-9394 (Gail) or 860-669-6932 (Nancy)

Watrous Nursing Facility
9 Neck Rd
Madison, CT

TO: ALL STAFF
We are  writing to you all today to express our gratitude.  We want to mention some of our experiences - were we to mention them all we would need a novel. Please understand that every one of you that cared for our Mom is a “10" and more - and if we forgot a name, please don’t take offense - your kind faces are etched in our hearts forever.

Joanna - Marie - Harsity - Laneese - Craig - Rebecca - Tom - Kerry - Sean - Chickie - Heather - Ferdinand and all

Sean - you were there to welcome us and our Mom on the day she arrived - there was a dark scrape on the floor and you stayed until every last bit of that mark was cleaned.  And then, so too you were there, cleaning our Mom’s sink on her final day - in her final moment and as she took her last breath.  Your purpose and presence was exactly as our Mom would have liked.  We so appreciate all that you do to make your patients “home” beautiful and sparkling.

Lanese - oh my - your loving approach was amazing and our Mom adored you, so much so that she wanted to adopt you. Your beautiful spirit touched her and us profoundly.

Tom - you carried and transferred our Mom like she was a fragile bird - with such care and kindness - we heard that you came back just to say ‘goodbye’ to her that Friday - “thank you” Tom for all you do to make your patients feel so safe and important.

Craig - you beautiful man.  You went above and beyond to ensure our Mom had the foods she would and could eat.  You never gave up and you did it with true patience and understanding of just how delicate her appetite was.  She enjoyed her last meals because of you.

Ferdinand - always so helpful wanting to please.  Your smile is beautiful.

Marie - you were always so concerned about just the right medication, dosage, timing and were so eager to call and adjust and tweak to ensure her comfort.  Your kindness and skill made such a difference in her comfort and peace of mind.

Harsity - your voice in advocating for our Mom was steady and unyielding.  You too made sure her medication orders were followed up in a timely manner.  Also, you always informed us of our Mom’s condition in great detail which meant so much to us.

Chickie-Heather-Kerry -Jennifer - you all were so attentive to our Mom’s needs, bathroom runs, bathing, making sure she was dressed and looking lovely, getting her ready for bed and on and on.  Your passion for caring for those in such need was evident in every caring deed you performed with patience, love and dignity.  I am humbled by your life’s work and filled with gratitude that our Mom was being cared for by each and everyone of you. And Jennifer - you found her green nightie.

Rebecca - and it was you who cared for our Mom after she passed.  I am in awe of your ministry to care for those that have passed.  My sister said she looked beautiful and comfy and angelic after you cared for her.  There are no words to effectively express our heartfelt thanks.

Joanna, oh Joanna - you always took your time - your voice so calming and gentle.  Our Mom adored you.  We would watch in awe, delight and gratitude every time you attended to her with such skill, kindness, care and a touch of humor which our Mom so enjoyed. We loved how you spoke softly and always leaned in to her - your comforting presence surrounding her.  YOU are an angel.  We are so grateful for you and honored to have been blessed with your caring ministry of service to our Mom and so many.

If we could we would read this on bended knee - that is the depth of our gratitude, honor, and respect for all of you at Watrous.   For our Mom Louise we thank you.
Hallelujah
With highest regard and gratitude
Gail Eichinger                   Nancy Kelly






10 comments:

Jane said...

My daughter is a nurse in an intensive care unit. Receiving this letter will mean SO much to these caregivers - more than you can ever imagine. Too often their work (ministry) goes unappreciated or if it is mentioned at all, it's usually a criticism. Bless your hearts for going this extra mile - especially in light of what you are going through.

Gail said...

Jabe - yes, it is so important to honor those who have a ministry of service to the elderly, infirmed and sick - we were so blessed by these amazing caregivers. Each and everyone.
Love Gail
peace....

Diana said...

Hi Gail, What a beautifully written letter. I'm sure that your well expressed words of gratitude will be gratefully appreciated.
Your Mother, I'm sure, is very grateful to you and your family for sharing your thoughts, and most likely hers as well.
Love To You Gail, Di ♥

Unknown said...

what i wrote in facebooks was only a piece of the story because my mom initially was at a rehab unit that was terrible and they fought me getting her out! The one where she ended up at was marvelous and caring and i could not think of a better place. It is so good she was at such a good place at the end. Peace to you!

Jackie said...

I know that each member of the staff at Watrous received a blessing from reading the letter you wrote, Gail.
I am so glad to know that your Mom was in the tender hands of these loving caregivers, and that she had a peace with her as she left this world to go to her heavenly home. Know that I continue to think of you, my friend.
Much love,
Jackie

Gail said...

Thank you all for your kind words and prayers and taking the time Means so much
love Gail
peace,,,,,

Cindy said...

Gail that was a beautiful letter, I cried reading it, I am so glad your Mom had such wonderful people around her. She sounded like she was in the very best of hands. I am sure the people to whom you sent the letter will be amazed at your dignity in acknowledging their roles in the care of your Mom. I know your Mom would be very proud of you and your sister......love you, praying for peace in the days ahead sweet friend. hugs.

Eileen said...

I'm happy for your Mom and your family, Gail, that your Mom was surrounded by not only such efficient care, but also such loving, personal care. And I'm happy that your family was surrounded by such support.
What a beautiful way for your Mom to start her new journey.
God Bless those care-takers. And God Bless you and yours.
Love and Prayers,
Eileen

Tracey said...

Beautiful!! I am glad your mom received such tender loving care. I am sure the caretakers were super appreciative to receive this kind of thanks. :-)

Marilyn Miller said...

How special to thank those that cared for your mom. I remember doing that when my mom died about 9 years ago. So often they don't get thanks.