To: The Golden Hearth Angels,

Each time I come I am so very impressed by your kindness, joyfulness, and creativity in treating everyone there with respect and love. Thank you for sharing your gifts with my precious parents.

Elaine

I am back in Seattle and adjusting to live without mother. Part of that is reflecting on this past year and remembering the wonderful times mother had at Golden Hearth. It was the perfect place for her, and I want to thank everyone for their kindness and love they showed mother. She was truly blessed as we were. I am so glad that she got to do all the fun things that were going on - Plays, Movies, and Outings. While you know we would have liked to be involved, it was great to know she was so well taken care of when we were not there.  Priscilla - Your medical knowledge and percistance in getting proper treatment was amazing. We could not have asked for anything more.  The beauty of the surroundings I know was a great comfort to Mother. The Yard, the holiday village, and everything else. Thank you all so much!

Barbara

Dear Priscilla

Thank You so much for the excellent care you and your crew gave my father. He was very happy living in your home and felt loved and that all his needs were met. If you ever need someone to give a good recommendation for their prespective parents feel free to give them my number. Thanks again you gave my dad's last years an element of quality.

Heather

 For the residents and caregivers of Golden Hearth, the kitchen is the center of their world: cooking and eating good food are interwoven into the fabric of their days.  Tea, coffee, fruit juice, and fresh-baked cookies are always available in between the delicious, home-cooked meals that spring from the generous and well-stocked pantry.  There are always fresh-cut flowers on the dining room table.  I know, because I have been a volunteer and certified cook there often.

   Meal times are not the only good times around Golden Hearth: the days are filled with moments full of the caring and concern of the owners and staff.  My mother-in-law has been a resident at Golden Hearth for three and a half years.  During this time, my husband and I have been frequent visitors at all times of the day.  In addition to the reassurance that our family member is being well-cared for, our involvement at Golden Hearth has given us a gift in return:  witnessing the grace and dignity of "Living in the Moment" reminds us that all our lives are composed of the threads of small moments that grow together to make the fabric of our lives.

  No where is the appreciation of small moments greater than in the words of Emily, in Thornton Wilder's play, "Our Town:"  ....clocks ticking...and Mama's sunflowers.  And food and coffee.  And new-ironed dresses and hot baths...and sleeping and waking up.  Oh earth, you're too wonderful for anybody to realize you."

   Emily looks toward the Stage Manager and asks abruptly, through her tears:  "Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it?---every, every minute?"

  At Golden Hearth, they live their minutes well......

Madeline