12th June, 2023
Dear Jane,
You will not be surprised to know that I found visiting Bill pretty distressing because of the gulf between the bright, humorous and clever friend I knew and the 'discombobulated' (his word to the end) and confused old man that he had become. I am sad for the family and for myself that he has died - but I think it would have been a relief to him.
However, I am writing because I want you to know that I went away each time enormously heartened by the care, compassion and loving patience that you and all your colleagues (including ****, the 'false but yet she is charming') showed Bill while he was with you. I think you run a wonderful establishment. It reminds me of old stories of farmhouses with big kitchens and a busy hubbub of cheerful work going on around the kitchen table. Less like a last resort - more like a home at last.
So please pass my personal thanks to everybody concerned - including **** if she keeps in touch - for everything you did for my friend Bill; and for the cheerful way you welcomed me as a visitor. Well done all of you! What you do makes a huge difference to many, many lives.
With kind regards,
(Name witheld)