Words of tribute and gratitude at Garden Terrace

'They made it as easy as they possibly could,' says husband, Alan Ross

June 25, 2012 -- Kristian Partington

After his wife, Donna, passed away following a battle with a rare and deadly neurological disorder, Alan Ross was compelled to share his gratitude with the team at Garden Terrace for the care they provided during the toughest road Donna had walked in life.

“Donna did walk through a terrible storm, she did hold her head up high and she did not walk alone,” were but a few words he wrote to be read during an in-house memorial service at the Kanata home following her passing.

“All of you here at Garden Terrace walked with her. She felt your love and your support and we are so grateful to all of you.”

Even as administrator Carolyn Della Foresta reads the words months later, her voice cracks with emotion.

She holds admiration for the man who loved his wife deeply and thought enough to share his kind words with the team amid grief so fresh and close.

“He visited her every single day from two to four in the afternoon and seven to nine at night, so just the constant presence and stability he provided her is unbelievable,” says Della Foresta.

Over three years, the disease progressed quickly and Donna went from being an active older adult who held a PhD, taught and skied the Rocky Mountains, to living at Garden Terrace, virtually locked inside herself.

As hard as this time was for the devoted couple, Alan felt confidence and a sort of peace knowing she was well cared for at the home in his absence.

“They were just super people and they made it as easy as they possibly could,” says Alan. “I had the good fortune of getting to know them myself, individually; got to know them all on a first name basis.”

He could advocate on her behalf with no concern of ruffled feathers or ill will, for he knew his opinions were valued and any concerns would be addressed.

“Even if I felt I had to intervene, they were welcoming,” he says.

“It was incredible.”

When he considers the gesture he gave in his words of tribute, he says it was because the team was so giving to him and Donna.

If you have questions, comments or a story to share, please contact 800-294-0051, ext. 24, or e-mail kristian(at)axiomnews.ca.







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