My family would like to publicly thank Dr. Neil See and the entire staff at the Cass County Medical Care Facility in Cassopolis for the kindness and care provided to Mary Alice Sorensen, mother, sister and aunt.
Aunt “Gigi,” as my family fondly called her, passed away peacefully in her bed on the afternoon of Jan. 9.
In Ecclesiastes 3, American King James Version of the Bible, it is said, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”
This was one of the readings at her funeral, and I believe it. There is a time to be born, a time to live, a time to grow, a time to slow down, a time to rest, a time to let go and a time to pass from this world.
The staff at CCMCF understands this. They are so kind to the residents and the families who have loved ones at the facility.
They are helpful from the moment a call is made to inquire about placement.
When we drove up to the front door with my aunt, I knew in my heart she would never again return to her home.
I cried, and through my tears, told her I was sorry that she couldn’t go home.
We opened the car doors to the staff which warmly extended a welcome to her, and hugs and words of comfort for me.
Throughout her stay they communicated how she was doing, what progress or setbacks she incurred and what she did on the last day of her life.
Our family visited frequently and always found the facility clean, the staff cheerful and helpful and the residents well taken care of.
It is hard to see the pain and confusion people go through as they age. The aging process takes a toll on the mind and body. Illness or injury renders many incapacitated. Cancer ravages once healthy bodies.
Our goal was that our loved one be taken care of and die with dignity.
I believe, from what I have personally observed, that is what happens at the CCMCF.
Some people don’t like to visit friends or relatives in a nursing home. It can be difficult.
But I encourage you next time, look around and see the caring individuals who make this their life’s work.
It’s by choice they work there, taking care of people who can no longer care for themselves.
Let them know you appreciate them and thank them for what they do!

Mary Geegan Middleton
Dowagiac