Dear Celeste
Thank you for the condolences to Kim, Tom, and their sons. I'm sure they appreciate it. Dad and I discussed many times how he wished that Kim and her children didn't abandon Dad the last three years of his life, but he was very much at peace with it when he passed. He was such an extraordinary man and father (not sure if you got to know him), and those of us who were connected to him miss him tremendously.
Praying for healing and comfort during this difficult time for the Bernardo family. I work in the dinning room at benchmark and when I heard the news, I was heartbroken. I’m so blessed to have met and known such a kind and loving person like Dominic. I would look forward to going to work every day and seeing his smile every morning. Even if he didn’t come down for breakfast I would make sure to go to his room to give him his daily hug. I would listen to him share his stories at the tables with other residents. And I always made sure he had enough ginger ale and strawberry ice cream. He was like a grandfather to me and he will be greatly missed. Thank you for trusting us and allowing us the opportunity to get to know and love Dominic.
Dear Grace,
When I read your message, my heart was full. Your incredibly kind words mean so much to me that it feels a “thank you” is insufficient. My next journal entry is going to be entitled, “Ginger Ale and Strawberry Ice Cream”, because that phrase symbolizes how much you loved and cared for my father in just the way that brought him comfort and happiness. And for this, I will never be able to thank you enough. We are grateful that Dad got to spend his last years with people like you.
I was lucky to see your father often when I visited my dad at Split Rock. They lived a few doors apart. I was also fortunate to be in attendance when he was honored for his exemplary service. He and my dad (Jake Hill) often talked about their experiences in the service. What a friendly, warm gentleman your dad was - I’m so very sorry for your loss.
Dear Sara,
Thank you so much for your wonderful message. He really was a great guy, and we miss him so much. I’m so glad that he shared time with your Dad, Jake, and that they got to go over their experiences together serving our country, as I know that my Dad was grateful that he had other Veterans to connect with. Your message is very much appreciated.
We are so lucky to have had a resident like Dominic. Never had anything bad to say and was always helping others. He was the sweetest and we miss him so much already. Thank you for letting us love him. Take care.
First, thank you for your warm and kind message. It warms my heart to hear my Dad being so loved. Second, WE feel so lucky to have had you all take such wonderful care of Dad. He always said how loved he felt, how everyone at Benchmark was so caring, and how thankful he was that he got to spend his last years feeling so cared for with you all.
Dominic was an integral part of Split Rock, loved by many. He is truly missed. He was so loveable..I greeted him by kissing
him on top of his head, when I saw him head into the dining room for breakfast. I wish Keith and Rob love and prayers for peaceful hearts.
Dear Justine,
Thank you so much for your warm and kind post. I know that Dad felt so loved and cared for while he was at Benchmark, and I truly can’t thank you enough for all you did to make his life there so comfortable and happy.
167 Wakelee Avenue