Dear Mr Shalev, Owners,
and Administrator Lindberg,
Last Friday (6/12/09) at Dodge Park Rest Home, family and friends were gathered with two of your residents, Elizabeth (“Becky”) and Leon Blanchard, for most of the day. All of us dearly love/ loved both of the Blanchards, (and their families).
Leon lost his decades – long battle to cancer that afternoon, but he was content, having been assured that his beloved Becky was left in caring hands, helping her cope with her Alzheimer’s disease
He knew, knew not only because the Blanchards’ four grandchildren are (and, have been) incredibly supportive throughout the ordeal (“Being there” for them, celebrating all the anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, with them; taking them out on lunch dates; telephoning, emailing, sending notes and photos of grand/great-grand children etc.). But also because of your staff, who constantly reassured Leon.
Because, on that day (as Leon expected/ wanted his family left together to attend the New Hampshire graduation of the youngest grand daughter.
However, Leon was not alone when they left, as not only their minister, Hospice folks, friends from years ago and friends made at Dodge Park Rest Home, stayed with him constantly. And, during the whole time your employees / staff came by, not only working but on their breaks! Every single on with a message of their friendship to him and to Becky, and their promise to continue to care for his Becky.
Leon gathered friends all along the many paths his life took him: An Army veteran of WWII, college graduate, dedicated employee, “Barbershop” singer, gifted artist (woodcarver, and painter), “go-to” problem-solver, etc, etc… he was an extraordinary person whose primary thoughts, always, were of his family.
Please give our heartfelt thanks to your Dodge Park Rest Home extraordinary family members: Angel, Carrie, Kelly C., Kelly G, Lakshmi, Mariel, Nancy, Pathy, Renne, Thomas, (and any/ all I’ve missed before I finally started writing their names!)
Sincerely,
His Friends/ Family
(including Jean D)
P.S.
Please five an extra thank you (& hug) to Kelly C, who supported me during Leon’s transition. Love Jean.
