"An elderly lady who had seen the dawn of computers and watched their use become commonplace thought she was too old and would never learn how to use this new method of communication. Yet a health issue brought her to Cognacq-Jay where she was expected to spend a long time! A flyer in her room advertised "Activities: computers". And...why not? Valentine was the one behind this. And it was with Valentine, smiling, patient, incredibly warm, who she spent many studious and pleasant hours.
A big thank you to Valentine, I'm full of gratitude for you."
Ms. M., 22 June 2007.

"In recognition of your kindness, please accept these chocolates to remind you of the moments we shared together during your activities.
You helped me rediscover the desire to paint, which I lost when my wife died 17 years ago (.../...). I have continued on with a few little watercolors, which I will show you when I see you next, I hope. When is your show opening? Let me know in advance, my schedule fills up quickly (.../...)."
Mr. S., 20 July 2007.

"The entire family of Ms. M. thanks you for your kindness and the care you provided during her stay in your institution."
L/M Family, 7 October 2007

"Pierre left us a few days ago. You welcomed him warmly in your calm and soothing institution.
We were lucky, the staff is full of concern for their patients.
My husband was able to accept his illness courageously and peacefully, admirably, in a way that deeply moved me. Thanks to you."
Michèle M., October 1st 2007

"Thanks to all of the staff for their warm welcome and the kindness they showed my brother Clément M. during his stay in this institution."
Aline S., 22 September 2007

"It's our turn to give a big thank you to the entire team for its sincerity and kindness, its devotion in the face of the worst, which nevertheless got a little better."
G. Family, 20 September 2007

"I came from Brittany, Lorient to be exact, to visit my Uncle Dominique, who I hadn't seen for several years.
The time I spent at his bedside helped me see how the service you provide is really useful when a person is at the end of their life. I think that all of these patients are grateful to you, even if they can't say it. I appreciate your courage and your professionalism and I thank you. Leaving this world becomes less difficult with this type of service."
Serge C., 15 September 2007

"A big thank you to the entire team for its compassion, professionalism and great generosity.
Thank you for also helping families during these sad times."
X., 8 September 2007

"The long wait"


Life is not
A waiting room
Waiting to be called
To cross over
To the other side

The waiting room
Is full of boredom
Read a random
Magazine
Doing nothing
Is what we do

Life is not
A waiting room
Our illness
Has no cure
We will die
Perhaps tomorrow
Or the day after
But today
We are alive

Let's admire the beauty
Of the garden
The wind playing
With the leaves
Of the chestnut trees
The poppies
Sway to and fro
Along the brook
The singing waterfall
Between the stones...

Let's connect
With these people
Ever so kind
Who surround us
We reconnect
More deeply with our friends
With our family
Let's live! Let's live!
Gina, September 2007

"Thank you to the entire team (from housekeeping staff to the doctor). Thanks to your devotion, your availability and the quality of your care, Mum was able to pass on peacefully.
Thank you for the constant support you provided the whole family."
J. and B. Family, September 1st

"Today, Thursday 30 August 2007, the family and friends of Mireille V. accompanied her to her last home.
All of us would like to send you our warmest thanks for the quality of your service, medical staff and volunteers."
Martine, André and Nicoletta D., 30 August 2007

"From 8 June to 26 August, Mireille V. experienced the exceptional conditions at Cognacq-Jay as a patient at the end of her life.
As witnesses of the quality of your accommodation and medical treatment, not to mention the dedication of the caregiving staff, we would like to tell you how much this meant to her and her loved ones.
We are grateful for how the institution made the most difficult moments better, and we admire and thank each of the actors in this public service."
Claude and Marie-Agnès M. 28 August 2007

"On behalf of Mr. G. Jean,
his son-in-law Jean-Pierre S. ,
his grandchildren Noémie, Edwige and Antoine,
his great-granddaughter Mathilda and her dad Alexandre,
his wife Paulette,
his daughter F. Marie-Claire,
we thank the medical assistant Mr Jérôme
and the entire team of the Cognacq-Jay Foundation,
for their great generosity of heart,
their humanity and kindness
towards our Grandpa Jean.
Thank you to the entire team as well for their hospitality."
F. M.-C., 29 July 2007

"The entire G. Family warmly thanks you for the support you provided during the time he spent in your institution."
G. Family, 24 July 2007

"So much kindness, so much gentleness and comfort for we poor patients and our families. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to all."
X., 16 July 2007

"Papito was completely calm and relaxed, a role model for us when we reach the end of our lives. The environment of Cognacq-Jay mattered for him and us. Thank you again.
Inès, his daughter."
Inès, July 2007

"Maurice didn't spend a lot of time with you, but those very difficult days he spent here were made easier thanks to your gentle care, listening and sensitivity.
As his wife, I thank you."
Béatrice L., 8 July 2007

"Thanks to the ambiance, thanks to all of you, working during the day and night, as soon as she arrived Mum felt confident and able to keep her playful spirit and found the strength to fight with dignity.
A heartfelt and sincere thanks to all of you who quickly got to know her and appreciate her strengths.
Thank you for your understanding, your guidance and advice, the comfort you provided us during the difficult times.
Thank you to the West Indian staff member who with a few Creole words brought our friendly sun to your institution...we felt so good! A job well done!! Mum left peacefully, serene.
Philippe, Patrick, Patrice and Béatrice, her children,
Thomas, her grandson,
Nathalie, her sister, and Bernard."
M. and D. Families on behalf of Théodora T., 26 June 2007