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November 28, 2007

A. Frank Johns
Booth Harrington & Johns
P.O. Box 3585
Greensboro, N.C. 27402-3585

Dear Frank:

This letter is about three centuries late—first, because everything seems to be happening to me at once, second, because I ran out of stationary.

I told Donna about the stationary the last time I talked to her. I said, "I want to write him a thank–you note, but the only thing I have in the house is notebook paper, and I'm certainly not going to write it on that.

She laughed and said, "Oh, he wouldn't mind."

But I knew I would–a lot–so I waited until I unearthed something acceptable. I think the British were right; you're traveling a downward path if you lower All your standards; One should always dress for dinner even in the jungle.

You may remember that I initially saw you at South Minster last July. I will remember that day for a long time, and what I remember most was your kindness and encouragement. Things were not going well. My mother had been tentatively diagnosed with dementia, we later learned it was Alzheimer's and her doctors were telling me she would need nursing home care as soon as possible. I had been to see Beth Caviness twice with absolutely no results. I was extremely worried that we were running out of time legally, financially, and medically.

You told me you felt certain we could protect the house and our bank account from nursing home expenses, and that's exactly what happened. But something like this doesn't happen automatically. I wanted to let you know how grateful I am and how clearly I realize that we could never have achieved this result without the firms help.

I received some very sad news in September. The nursing home where I had placed Mother in February called to say she had died a few hours earlier.

It was a complete shock. I had not been pleased with care she had been getting in Marshville and had just succeeded in getting her name on the wait list for a new facility in Huntersville.

You can probably imagine how I feel. Even though I'm glad she can't suffer any longer, I miss her terribly, and I will always regret that I wasn't able to do more.

That aside, I'm doing well. I'm planning to sell the house next year and leave town before 2009.

Even though I enjoy the work I do now, I would like to do something in Mother's Honor while I'm still in Charlotte. Since my writing skills are pretty good and I've had so much care giving experience, I thought of the Alzheimer's Association. There's nothing more I can do for Mom, but I might be of use to other people contending this nightmarish situation.

I wondered if I might use your name as a reference. I would appreciate it more than I can say, but if it's not feasible, I certainly understand.

I will always be grateful to you and Donna, Ronni and even Beverly! For your help in a very difficult time.

Sincerely,
Susan

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October 29, 2007

A. Frank Johns
Booth Harrington & Johns
P.O. Box 3585
Greensboro, N.C. 27402-3585

Dear Frank:

The privilege of calling you "Frank" I claim because I am nearly the age of your Mother; and also because at our meeting I sensed the same respect and confidence that my daughter, Penni, had described to me as qualities you possess. I trust you are not offended by my boldness.

Thank you for your time, and the detailed explanations you shared with me. I believe I understand most of the intricals we discussed. Any questions that may arise I will accept on faith in your expertise, or if I deem in necessary, I will be in touch with you. My Understanding of your descriptive words seemed clear at our meeting.

Also, I want to thank you for your consideration with respect to the fees for your time and attention to my desire to leave little in the way of problems or confusion for my children. We are continuing to implement changes to achieve the goals you set.

Please let Penni and me know what you will need to complete the change of ownership of my two properties to joint tenants with right of survivorship. I plan to look in my safety deposit box for the deeds early this week.

For me, it was a real pleasure to meet you and realize you have Christian values as well as a great desire and skill to help older people make wise decisions regarding their assets. Thank you again, for helping me make wise decisions.

Sincerely,
Elouise

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