Dear Donna and all the fabulous ladies in the Activation Department,

Audrey Tordoff flourished in the last two and a half years of her life, while a resident of Helen Henderson.

Part of this blossoming was the nursing care she received, but most of it was a direct result of the work that activation does. You gave her the opportunity to try new experiences, continue old interests in new ways better suited to her abilities, meet new friends, stay mentally sharp and fill her time constructively. We will always be grateful for this.

As her family, we want to thank you for the work you do every day and that you did for Audrey. She loved it when someone would read the calendar of upcoming events. There was always so much for her to look forward to, and plan for. This was so important to her emotional well-being. As she said in the March Newsletter, “If you were bored at Helen Henderson, it was your own fault.”

We remember when Audrey attended her first ever Super Bowl party, shortly after she moved into Helen Henderson. She called us that night to tell us all about the game and that it was a ‘blow-out’.

Audrey had never even watched a football game before, but she was taking it all in because she wanted to feel part of the community of Helen Henderson. And that is exactly what your department fosters – a social community.

As you remember, Audrey loved participating in everything. Thank you for working to develop a program that kept her so happy and interested. She loved games (bingo, trivia, word), arts and crafts, poetry club, baking, exercise programs, entertainment, activities centred around food, religious services, holiday events and the field trips. But more importantly, she loved the friendships and bonds she developed with many of you. The Activation Department meant that there was companionship at all times of the day – she loved that!

Thank you also for encouraging her to help. Whether it was folding newsletters, chopping strawberries or helping out with the garage sale – she loved feeling useful, giving her input and feeling like part of it all.

We were blessed to have had Audrey in our lives. And, we are so thankful for the love you gave her and the special times you made for her. Your work is very important and very appreciated.

With gratitude,

Rick and Sally Tordoff