Dear Friends,
In my past few letters I shared stories about our new Marist Brothers’ retirement facility. To be exact, I described our renovation nightmares – which were significant, since this space hadn’t been touched in more than 40 years. We had to literally bring it into the 21st century!
One tug on the worn out mattress springs made it clear that new, quality mattresses were a necessity.
Well, I’m ready to say that the construction work is almost complete! Electricity is up to code, plumbing works, and a fresh coat of paint brightens everything up. We even transformed the six original tiny monastic bedrooms into three larger bedrooms. This gives us space to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers. Now all we need to do is furnish the bedrooms.
However…we’ve hit a few walls. It looks like orthopedic mattresses and modest senior-friendly essentials pushed us $4,350 beyond our planned budget for the bedrooms.
Your gift will help us provide warm, comforting bedrooms for our elderly and disabled Brothers!
I considered economizing by using the beds in the original six tiny bedrooms, but our Brothers’ physician nixed that idea. He asked me to inspect the worn out springs poking through each mattress and reminded me about Br. George, who will soon leave the classroom because he suffers debilitating back and hip pain. “When Br. George moves into your new retirement facility, he’ll need an orthopedic mattress,” the doctor stressed. “Reusing an old mattress may save a few nickels but you’ll likely spend that savings – and then some – on physical therapy for the Brother’s pain.”
I hope you understand my dilemma and will show your support with a gift. Whatever amount you can afford will be greatly appreciated.
There are a few additional furnishings that would be such a blessing for my elderly and disabled Brothers. For example, let’s talk about dressers. A solid bump, perhaps by a wheelchair, could cause cheaply made, unstable dressers or bookshelves to topple forward. We also need dresser drawers that slide out easily and have easy-grip pulls for arthritic hands. But these design features cost a few extra nickels.
We had hoped to put a comfortable chair, side table, and reading lamp in each of the three bedrooms. That would be an inviting, comforting touch, don’t you think? But without your gift, this simple addition will have to remain on the “wish list.”
If you’re concerned that your gift won’t make a difference, let me assure you that every gift matters. Think of the two nickels tucked in with my letter. It’s just 10¢! But if all our Marist Brothers’ friends send as many “nickels” as they can, we’ll soon have the $4,350 needed to meet our bedroom furnishings budget.
What do you say? Can we count on your help?
I have faith that you’ll help us – and as soon as your gift arrives, the Brothers and I will want to thank God for your generosity. So please, take a moment to complete the enclosed prayer intention slip and send it along with your donation. The Brothers and I will include your prayer intentions during a special Mass that will be offered in honor of you and your loved ones.
In closing, I pray that you have the time and good health to enjoy the wonders of spring. Every blossoming tulip and chirping bird outside your bedroom window is God’s gift! And of course, thank you again for all you do to help our elderly and disabled Marist Brothers.
God bless you for caring so deeply,
Br. Hugh P. Turley, F.M.S.
Director of Development
