October 26, 2001
To Everyone at Gwynedd Square Center,
This thank you letter is a bit overdue, but I am finally able to put my feelings into words.
Shirley Flecker spent the last 7 years of her long life at Gwynedd Square Center. The decision to move mom into a nursing home was only made after much agonizing and procrastination by three daughters who felt a bit guilty and sad that circumstances prevented them for caring for her in their homes. Although Mom suffered from dementia at that time, she retained sufficient cognitive ability to express disappointment that her daughters could not care for her.
My husband and I researched and visited more than 20 long term care facilities before selecting Gwynedd Square Center. Your facility was selected because of the staff and owner's commitment to caring for Alzheimer's residents and a state inspection report which found nothing more correctable than an extra hamper in a bathroom. We had good vibes about Gwynedd Square Center but remained concerned and cautious during those first few difficult weeks. But after a number of visits, careful observation and questioning, our initial fears were allayed.
One of our concerns was that no one at Gwynedd Square Center knew the kind of person Mom was: a loving, supportive and caring daughter, wife, mother and grandmother, a loyal friend; an independent, humorous and compassionate human being who would rather give than receive and who derived much of her happiness from making others happy.
But somehow, the staff at Gwynedd -- from the head of your facility to the nurses, aides, recreation specialists, housekeeping and maintenance personnel -- seemed to understand and respect the person that Shirley Flecker was. From the initial day at Gwynedd -- to her final day, as the horrible disease that is Alzheimer's robbed her of her memories and cognitive abilities -- Mom was treated with kindness and respect, which allowed a very beautiful human being to retain most of her dignity.
The day my mother died, I was away on a business trip. Although I caught the next available flight from Minneapolis, my Mom had expired by the time I arrived a Gwynedd Square Center in the evening with my husband. I could see that the staff was visibly upset at Mom's passing. As they told me how she spent her final afternoon--in her bed with four staff people consoling her and holding her hand--I wept. I realized that, although I naturally wanted to be with Mom and comfort her when she died, perhaps it was best that she was in the company of her second family, the people who were so wonderful and caring to her during her final years on this earth.
I have tried to express in words how much we appreciate the important role your marvelous facility played, not only in Mom's life, but in our family's lives as well. But words seem inadequate at this time. Just like we will never forget Mom, we will never forget the wonderful people who comprise Gwynedd Square Center. We will be talking with you in the future.
God bless you all.
With love and warmest wishes,
