A Letter From a Grateful Son

Dear Robert, Norma & Ofra,

I believe that caring for my father was the most difficult thing I have ever faced. The one thing I was certain of was that my father wanted to be at home. As his care needs increased, we called out for help. Most were not able to help. Then I called Ofra.

My father was a smoker and, acknowledging it as a difficulty, Ofra said she would try to help. Within hours, she returned a call and introduced Robert. Robert could have followed the rules of our province, but instead chose the rules in his heart. Robert too was a smoker. When he wanted a cigarette he went outside. My father couldn’t go outside, and when Dad
wanted a cigarette Robert sat beside him.

On Robert’s first day, Norma came by to see what else she could do. I don’t know how to put into words how much she really did. We called out to Homestead when we really needed help. We knew Dad wanted to be at home but didn’t really know what that required. We didn’t know what was available and we didn’t know who to call. Norma had all the answers. Some we didn’t like but we needed to hear, so that we could do what was right for Dad. Norma was like an angel that finds you when you are lost,
gives you directions and then slips away.

I pray that memories of my father will last forever. For me that may mean remembering some of the difficulties too—and that won’t let me forget three people at Homestead.

On behalf of my father, Rocco, and my mother, Anna, and the rest of our family, I would like once again to thank Homestead for all that they did in helping us.

Thank you, Robert, for demonstrating true personal support.

Thank you, Norma, for being our angel.

Sincerely,

Albert DeNovellis

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