Dear Winsome,
Last night, 1 received a call at 2:30 in the morning from Cathy in the wellness department, someone I've never spoken with before. She was so professional In the way she spoke to me - not alarming but to the point, telling me my mom had fallen and was being transported to the hospital.
I wanted to take this moment to tell you how grateful I am for ALL of your entire wellness staff! They have all been nothing short of FABULOUS since my mom moved Into the Bristal a year and a half ago. This includes Victoria, Anastasia, Maxine, Beatrice (Beatrice, who always asks about my big doggie!), Claire, Sharon - they are truly a great bunch of women, extremely efficient and we love and appreciate them all.
I could not sign off this letter without mentioning how much we love and appreciate Luz and Lauren tool Linda, you too! They are always sooooo sweet and knowledgable and extremely patient with my questions and concerns....thank you so much for having them there! And special thanks to Natasha and Pamilla for always greeting us with a smile. What a super bunch.That's all for now. Guess I was feeling a bit emotional seeing my mom in the emergency room....it was time for me to express my sincere appreciation for all of these people and all they do....
Sincerely,
Lisa Suskevich, Bernice Werner's daughter
Dear Vera,
As representative for the family of Eleanor Hejnas, I want to acknowledge and extend our deep gratitude and appreciation for you personally for your dedication, devotion and commitment to making a profound difference in the lives of all the individual lives that reside at the Bristal.
Having been on both sides of the fence and having the opportunity to walk in your shoes, I easily can relate to the demands/stress that your role as nurse/entails.
You impressed me as an active involved caring, highly qualified team leader/player. You were receptive and responsive to my concerns – Always approachable and professional. I always felt comfortable and confident that you personally would act on any problems that surfaced and resolve them.
Those that bring sunshine, warmth to others cannot keep it from themselves. Your kindness has warmed our hearts so!
Fondly,
Pat Breslin
Dear Lara,
In my note to you I was remiss in not mentioning both Janice at front desk and Eunice in dining room.
Please convey my deepest appreciation to them for all the kind and warm reception they gave me upon my arrival, and for all the times I visited my sister! Janice was always so accommodating!
You are fortunate to have them in your employ!
I’m still unpacking—come to visit when I get all settled! I love this apartment – glad it was still available!
Ellen Lester
Bristal Staff at East Meadow,
Thanks is such a small word when one desires to express tremendous gratitude to special people of their many acts of kindness. The family of Eleanor Hejnas wants to personally thank every single member of the Bristal Team individually and collectively for their outstanding job performance laced with love.
We developed trust, confidence, and security with the knowledge that her physical and emotional needs were addressed and satisfied beyond our expectations.
The team spirit that exists within is highly palpable and authentic. There is a harmonious rhythm and exchange – energy from one candle lighting the next, never extinguishing.
We witnessed a significant and profound change internally and externally in our mother. She morphed from a caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly. Our relationship blossomed and flourished as she recaptured her spirit and embraced life. An opportunity opened where she developed a receptive attitude where she discovered joy, laughter, contentment, and purpose.
Our Butterfly has spread her expansive wings and flown to greater heights – soaring gracefully up to the Heavens Above. We are left with beautiful memories that will be cherished throughout our lifetimes. We are indebted to all of you for the role that you played in rekindling her spirit. You managed to ignite her candle during transference from me to another.
With respect, admiration, gratitude, and appreciation, we close this acknowledgement. Not only did you manage to make a difference in one life – you managed to impart and make a difference in our lives as well.
Respectfully, affectionately, and fondly,
The Hejnas Family
We, the family of Eleanor Heinas are reflecting back in time and recalling a pleasant, heartwarming memory of Mom’s arrival at the Bristal in East Meadow.
On 9/29/10 our mother arrived at the Bristal, which coincidentally was her 85th birthday. She was greeted warmly and enthusiastically by staff. It was a celebration and we were unprepared with the benefit of insight to anticipate the journey that was about to unfold over the course of the upcoming sixteen months.
We did our research and investigated numerous assisted living facilities. It is difficult to isolate and identify a particular or specific factor that influenced our decision to choose the Bristal. It met our criteria with regards to appearance, cleanliness, and atmosphere. We acted upon our instincts and “gut reaction” which proved valid in the final analysis. As we became familiarized with the staff, we grew increasingly convinced that this particular Bristal community was “custom fit” for Mom. We developed a trust and confidence that her needs were addressed. Initial anxiety apprehension dissolved. In record time, she embraced the Bristal as home.
Prior to her admission to the Bristal, Mom led a reclusive, isolated and lonely existence in Florida. Steadfastly, firmly resisting our advice to move in closer proximity to family, we waited patiently until her health failed and she acknowledged that she could no longer live independently.
We watched in amazement and witnessed an awakening comparative to a caterpillar morphing into a butterfly; spreading its wings and taking flight. It was sheer delight to view this transformation.
We acknowledge, praise and credit the staff for all their individual and collective efforts for being instrumental by fostering independence, building confidence and supporting her efforts, gaining acceptance. What a team of players – dedicated working harmoniously in unison, untypical soldier in nature erect, stiff, rigid. More accurately characterized as relaxed, casual, and approachable. Lara, as leader, inspires her staff and sets her standards/expectations high. She sets the tone and has earned their respect. All disciples ranging from dining staff, maintenance, housekeeping, wellness activities, administrative, medical, perform their duties in a professional manner with the added bonus of giving of themselves personally.
On 1/14/12 our mother passed peacefully from this world. As we mourn her loss, we focus on celebrating her life. Comforted in the knowledge that she recaptured the spirit and joy and found peace and love. We wish to extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation and heartfelt love to everyone. God bless each and every one of you – you managed to make a difference in the life of another human being. Continue to keep the magic flowing!
Sincerely, Fondly, and Affectionately,
The Heinas Family
Dear Marcelle,
You were one of our mother’s primary caretakers during her stay at the Bristal. You impressed us with your professionalism, compassion, empathy and support.
Always approachable, warm, friendly, dedicated – you managed without intention to capture our hearts. We wish to extend our heartfelt appreciation and acknowledgment for all your efforts directed towards caring for Mom.
Fondly and Affectionately,
Eleanor Hejnas’ Family
To the staff and residents at The Bristal,
Time is going by so quickly. We had so many thank you’s to write and here I am still needing to say thank you.
The Memorial Service you put together for our Dad was so sincere and thoughtful and we appreciated it so very much.
We miss him and always will. Knowing how much he touched so many of you will always be a source of comfort and pride to us.
Thank you for being such an important part of his life, and now a part of ours.
With love and gratitude,
Lorraine and Arleen
George Meyer’s daughters
Dear Ms. McLean:
I am writing this letter to applaud the zeal and effort put forth by one of the Bristal employees during the time my Dad, Joseph Nobile, was a resident at the Bristal. This employee is Tracy Jahrsdoefer who in my estimation, is a model employee. During my dad’s stay at the Bristal, Tracey always showed a caring attitude toward him and always kept us abreast of his progress in his declining years.
Last Spring my Dad was diagnosed with lung cancer and he needed to be on hospice. Tracey was very supportive to both him and us and she made an overall effort to make certain that my dad’s needs were being met with all support staff ranging from aids, to kitchen staff and outside hospice. My dad lasted about 8 months and recently died this January. At this crucial juncture, my husband and I happened to be out of town, which under normal circumstances, would be a difficult situation at best. Again, Tracey Jahrsdoefer came to the rescue making certain that we were immediately informed and assisting us with the details associated with end of life arrangements.
In short, Tracey is a fine ambassador representing the very best that your institution has to offer the elderly and we could not separate from the Bristal without acknowledging the excellence she demonstrates in her work. She is a true professional in her chosen field and I think you are very fortunate to have her on staff.
Sincerely,
Linda Agostinacchio, daughter of Joseph Nobile
Dear Ms. Winsome,
Before I go any further, I have one request – please add my wife, Mindy, and I to the 2037 waiting list for the Bristal at North Woodmere. I cannot think of a better way to spend our “post retirement” years than to be under the watchful eyes of such a dedicated and respectful group of people.
Every person we have met has been nothing less than stellar, starting with the first contact we had, which was Joyce Sycoff, your Director of Community Relations. My wife and I visited a number of assisted living facilities, some competition, and some other Bristal locations, but when we met Joyce we immediately knew North Woodmere was going to be head and shoulders above the rest. She put us at ease and answered all our questions, even the ones we had not even thought of or were not able to verbally express at the time. She won us over and then sealed the deal by winning over my parents, Ruth and Lee Gleimer, who are 86 years old and felt they could still live on their own. It was not an easy sell, but Joyce accomplished it and I will forever be grateful that she did.
I look forward to each visit, starting with the welcoming smile and hello from every receptionist we have met at the front desk, to all the praises my parents continuously relate. What really tops it off is when my parents thank us for ‘making’ them live at the Bristal.
Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Steven Gleimer and the whole family of Ruth and Lee Gleimer
The Gleimer Family
Dear Samantha,
Thank you so much for being a fantastic server and attentive to my needs. It’s always a pleasure to see your smiling face in the dining room. You make breakfast and lunch more enjoyable. Thank you again for all that you do. Warmest wishes for a very happy holiday season.
Laurel