Friday, April 29, 2016
Dear Mrs Vasconcelos & family......I was so saddened to learn of Dr V's passing. After he retired in 2011, I hoped he was enjoying a life of excitement as he explored his retirement years which he so deserved. Dr V's compassion, friendship and excitement for life was something I will never forget. After my Dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, I depended so heavily on my meetings with Dr V to help me understand the disease and also deal with being the primary caregiver, of someone I loved so very much. Dr Vasconcelos was an unending support as I went through the various stages of this incredibly horrendous disease and the grieving process. He became my family when family was no longer available.
Since I almost always chose an early morning appointment, Dr V always, always offered me a cup of fresh coffee, reminding me of how good it would make me feel. We had so many discussions over the years as my Dad's health declined, and I always knew that he was feeling as disgusted and angry, but yet so terribly sad at the loss of the man my Dad had once been. One day in particular I remember him also tearing up as I cried myself and described in detail the effects of this dreadful disease, and what was happening to Dad. Although he was well aware of what would happen, and soooo very knowledgable in his field, his sympathy was deeply felt and was unending. He helped me so much throughout the years as I got my Dad into Fairview and onto the fifth floor.
We not only discussed the disease and its impact on family, but we covered so many other topics as well....he told me with great enthusiasm of his years on the acreage and the incredible woman that became his wife....he spoke of how much he loved Ruth and what a "wonderful woman" he had married....his huge love for family was expressed over and over as Marcus graduated, the many musical productions took place with his daughter in law directing and granddaughter participating......and I remember fondly the day I had an appointment with him when Maximus was born. He marveled and smiled at the name that had been chosen for this grandson and was soooo very excited to have another grandchild in his family. He spoke about his family vacations and the excitement and enthusiasm of being with everyone....(I listened with envy!!)......he spoke of dancing in Brazil with his niece and how much he loved music and dancing.
Often I would get to my appointment and he would be coming up the stairway, completing a trip around the entire clinic.....one of many I expect he took in a day. He was always smiling and I know how much he enjoyed his chosen path in life, helping people cope with issues and illness as no one else could ever do. I have never ever been to a Dr that I knew felt my pain as I felt it myself, and I know how much he sympathized with me. I am forever in his debt for his unending support. I can tell you that I felt heart broken as I read his announcement of death and obituary.
Please accept my most sincere condolences and kindest regards as you go through the various steps, of grieving the passing of your husband and father.....rest assured he loved each and every one of you and wasn't timid in speaking of your great accomplishments. Whether it was his wife's wonderful salads, or her incredible personality, his daughter's career or her life as a runner; Marcus's accomplishments, as well as David's, and his very much loved grandchildren, you all made your husband and Dad extremely proud!
I'm so thankful that I got to know Dr V as well as I did and I am so very grateful of his experience and dedication to helping people like myself, through a very very difficult time. I honestly and sincerely hope he did not suffer long.
May you rest in peace Dr V. :yellow_heart:
Brenda Cruickshank
