“ I would like to start by with an apology for not writing sooner. It has been a month now since Eddie has passed and I have been writing and re writing this letter in my head and still cannot find the right words to express our sincere gratitude for everything that every one of you have done for Eddie (Dad) these last 8 years.
As a family we were extremely fortunate to manage to get first Jane then Eddie into the care of Glenaulin and since that time they had received such loving care and attention that we knew from the get go that hard as the decision was to place them there we would never regret it. From the moment they became residents we could see how well they were being cared for and how well they were made feel part of your “family” in Glenaulin. Rosemary and I truly believe that Glenaulin gave them a quality of life without which we would have lost them years ago.
I have always maintained that all we ever wanted for them both was for them to be comfortable to retain their dignity and we have been blessed to witness just how well the staff followed through on our wishes under the guidance of Orla Quigg D.O.N. Nothing was a problem for Orla and the door was always open to discuss whatever was on our mind. Being human I will forget some name’s so I will just say to all the staff, Nursing, Nursing Assistants, Housekeeping, Catering, Gardening, Activities, Entertainment and Management and anyone else I have missed, on behalf of my family! want to thank each of you for looking after Eddie and Jane so well during their time with you and for making all my family so welcome when visiting. Your thoughtfulness made his passing easier for us all. Glenaulin Nursing Home has been such a big part of our lives these past years and we will never forget everything that was done for them both and ourselves, for showing them compassion, for maintaining their dignity, for praying with them and for praying for them when they were unable to do so. We will be forever in your debt!.
In life Eddie and Jane were happy and content in the surroundings of Glenaulin and in death they were both treated with the upmost of respect and reverence that each time I think of it there’s a little tear in the eye. Thanks to all the staff who came to pay their respects to Eddie in their own way, who came to his room / oratory to express their condolences, to those that made the effort to come in although being on leave and those that attended the Funeral Mass on their time off. All of this made it easier for the family and it was special to see how well he was liked. I would especially like to thank Mary O’Hare for the lovely prayer services prior to the Funeral Mass and the wonderful “Remembrance Mass” in which Eddie was included, thanks again to Mary, Pauline and the rest of the team you really hit the mark. As Eddie would say “you gave them a great send-off”.
Nursing and Caring they say are professions. In Glenaulin it is more than that it is a vocation and you are blessed to have such a staff dedicated to the care of the residents and it has been a privilege and an honour to had have met you all and to have shared in your “family”. We will always remember you with fondness and look forward to seeing you all again soon.
God bless and take care.“
