A Tribute to Robert Sanford: Gratitude for Exceptional Care at Garden Way

Heartfelt Gratitude for Your Exceptional Care

Dear Rebecca and team,

Please accept this contribution for our gratitude in appreciation for your team’s loving care for our father, Robert Sanford.

When my dad visited and decided to move to Garden Way, he was so excited to begin a new chapter – one with new friends, games, food, and surroundings. It was a surprise and so very tragic how quickly his illness overtook him, giving him just one week to spend in room 118. But that one week was a God send. He said that he had never lived in a nicer place, and loved how Jesse hung his beloved wall art.

My dad enjoyed the food immensely and how the wait staff were so attentive to his requests — his favorites every day! Allan and I were so touched by how many residents stopped by wanting to meet my dad on his first days in 118 and as he was enjoying the delicious meals in the cafeteria.

As he was able, my dad introduced himself, and I saw him smile from his heart revealing an expectancy that he’d make new friends in this new chapter. Friends who he can talk “shop” with.

Born in 1942, Robert grew up in a small town in northern New Jersey, the oldest of four children. He worked hard in many jobs and was tough and fun and did funny things that teenagers did in the 1950s. One such story was stealing (borrowing) at the bowling balls from the local bowling alley and rolling them down a big hill in the middle of the town causing mayhem.

He had a long career as an electrical line-man at Jersey Central Power and Light. He went on to supervise crews and build large substations. When we were kids in New Jersey, any time there were blizzards he’d be sent to the Jersey Shore to restore power to all the people without power. They were so appreciative and would run out and hug him and his crew. He loved that.

When we were kids, he built our garage on his own — asking all our friends and neighbors to help. It was so cool!

My dad moved to Eugene in 2016 to be close to his granddaughter Lila (and presumably me, his daughter and son-in-law). He loved his neighborhood and the people (Mary Jo, one of your new residents was his neighbor) and shopping at the Albertsons every morning. He collected books on history, trains, wildlife, and wars. And also old clocks — hundreds of them!

That one week of time at Garden Way felt like an eternity filled with hope, expectation, survival, and loss. But everyone of you who works at Garden Way made it as good as it could have been — helping Allan and me surround our dad with love, care, and safety. What more could we want for our special dad?

I personally want to thank India and Jesse for hugs in the moments of overwhelm when I wasn’t sure what to do. They really buoyed my spirit, strengthening me for my next decision. Because no matter how old we are, when you see your dad sick, it’s the hardest thing in the world.

We wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Happy New Year – and know that you are forever a part of the beautiful history of our family.

Much love,
Maureen, John, Lila along with Allan and Barbara