An Open Letter of Thanks
by Sister Isabel
MacLaughlin
(Written following the celebration of the New Year with the Residents of Mount
Saint Joseph.)
Tuesday, December 30th, 2003
Just returned from the party and a grand party it was!
The Residents really know how to have fun and loosen up. They are
a real delight to be with — free-spirited, uninhibited, joyful and loving — the very best of humankind. Another few years and I may acquire their goodness.
It is a real privilege to be at such a party. It makes me so proud that
the RHSJ support is well placed in such a setting. My only part is to enjoy and I surely did.
KUDOS TO THE RECREATION DEPARTMENT who plan and organise, create a climate
for celebration, and are present to mingle and be with the Residents. With this superb staff a good party is guaranteed. Not
surprisingly, the residents love them dearly and recognise their value to the Mount.
The staff give so very generously of themselves and their time. This afternoon
they decorated so very beautifully for the NEW YEAR — it took hours and the room looked beautiful. The regular staff
know how to draw excellent volunteers who are a real support and contribute magnificently.
In addition, the Katimavik students are spending a few weeks at the Mount
so they made a fine contribution and brought their youthful fun loving manner to the party. They fit in as though they belong
and they do — for a few weeks anyhow.
The entertainment, food, and people are the ingredients of a good party
and all rate 100% in my unbiased opinion. The RETIRED FIVE provided music which all enjoyed. Donna McLean and Jimmy Lawlor
sang all the old favourites.
Susan Butler sang a couple of lovely songs one being WORKING MAN. We are
lucky to hear Susan’s lovely voice often and it is always welcomed by all. She is a real gift to us and we are grateful.
The food was punch, drinks of all sorts and pizza plus cake and tea. It
was delicious and the serving was very generous but most of us "licked our plates clean." With the very large numbers of people,
including Residents and their families, the room was packed and it amazes me how efficiently the food is served — within
minutes, and it was hot and delicious.
All had party hats etc. and then the singing of Auld Lang Syne and the
countdown began. The noisemakers burst forth and balloons dropped from the ceiling and all joined in the fun.
It is wonderful to see Residents enjoy themselves so freely. They enjoy
all: the music, the food and the people present. That is the way I hope to be as I add on another decade or two or three —
Living life fully and well, as Mount Saint Joseph did this evening. I am always grateful for the privilege of being present.
Thanks,
Sister
Isabel MacLaughlin, RHSJ
