Dear Penny,

I want to thank you, the Henderson House staff and others involved in the transition phase of my parents twilight months. You have left our family with special cherished memories of the Henderson House before my parents went to heaven to meet their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I appreciate in the beginning when Joyce shared with you about my parent's situation and their special relationship with each other that you graciously took time to meet them both and consider them for residency at the Henderson House. You didn't let them become a statistic; but rather, you saw them as a special unique “couple”. You observed their love and appreciated their 64 years of a dedicated marriage. You put together a plan that would provide a home for them at the Henderson House that was financially reasonable and placed them in a setting where they could be together, even in their sleeping arrangements until those final days!

I remember when Mother first moved in she struggled emotionally with the transition from her home of 40 years to the Henderson House. She missed watching the squirrels and the birds, but you and your staff filled her moments with conversation and laughter. I remembered she once shared, “Penny's visits are a bright part of my day,” she continued to say, “I know she is extremely busy but she always takes time for your Dad and me”. Penny, she looked forward to your visits. She spoke lovingly of all the staff and would tell special things about each person. She felt wanted and needed: her moments were filled with love. Her “new” friends guided her onto a fresh path assisting her in the replacement of old routines for new ones.

It was difficult for me to be thousands of miles from my parents. In the past I was there for them in medical situation; but when their life style changed drastically I and my siblings knew they needed care now on a daily basis that we could not provide.

Even something as simple as a doctor's visit had become a concern for me. Before coming to the Henderson House on one particular doctor visit, both parents got lost in the medical parking lot, and could not find their car. The entire incident was traumatic for them. I cannot tell you how much it meant to me when I heard you would be accompanying Mother to her doctor's visits. Not only did this reassure Mother, but it gave me satisfaction in knowing that I would get the correct medical information after the visit.

So you can see why our concerns as children were quickly alleviated after our parents' arrival at the Henderson House. Every aspect of their life was touched with love and compassion while maintaining professionalism. Worries and fears quickly subsided for us because your communication was frequent and you were always available via the phone.

I want to add, the exclusive “homey” touches like Daddy's birthday dinner didn't go unnoticed. The staff discovered his favorite foods and incorporated them into the menu for his dinner. He loved it.

When I came to visit, the staff was helpful, even to the point of taking my puppy outside for a walk so I could visit with my parents. It was the little things like this that made the Henderson House a five star assisted living facility in my heart. Also, I appreciated the sensitivity, concern and respect your staff showed to our family, allowing us private moments together when we visited.

Few people lose parents within eleven days of each other in a natural way, but we did. And through the loving care, the tender concern and tremendous compassion your staff showed during those final days, it helped our family through a difficult time, giving us peace of mind that our parents had received excellent loving care when we couldn't always be there with them.

Henderson House staff you became like family to our family and your facilities did become home!

Penny, please thank those who took time out of their personal life to come to the funeral home for both my parents. Our family appreciated everyone going the extra mile. Thank you all again SO MUCH!

Sincerely,

Mary Reynolds

Henderson House 419 865-1008

Penny Henderson 419 466-2464