I must say that the services at St Vincent de Paul Residence are among the best, if not the best that exist in Malta. The very dedicated staff really do their utmost to help the residents and render their lives easier and more pleasant. I am not speaking about the Nursing Officer, Deputy Nursing Officer, nurses, nursing aides, carers and domestic staff, who are assuredly dedicated, but also of the doctors, who are on the premises at all hours, day and night.

An episode which shows just how dedicated the staff is, was when I was going through a very difficult period not so long ago. The stress and frustration made me grumpy and short-tempered. The dedication of the staff never diminished!

They continued to encourage me to the point when I not only recovered but am actually in a position to reach out to others. I am now doing voluntary work with a foundation that helps persons with a disability. It makes me so happy to contribute again! I would like to take this opportunity to apologise for my grumpiness and short temper.

Thanks must also be given to the Physiotherapy Department. The physiotherapist who assisted me helped no end to get me back on "my feet" again.

There is also the Occupational Therapy Department who besides the crafts section, also organise cookery sessions for all those interested. All this besides other functions.

Mention must be made of the Entertainment Section who not only organise events in Malta, but organise yearly outings to Gozo as well.

There is also the activity centre which was instituted quite recently.

Social workers assist those residents who are in need of their services.

There is also the service of a hairdressing salon, but not only; the hairdressers visit the wards once a week to attend to residents who cannot go to the salon.

There is an efficient X-Ray Department as well as a day clinic which comprises of an opthalmologist, dentist and the Podology Department.

As far as food is concerned, special thanks go to the excellent cooks who provide daily, abundant and very good dishes to us residents.

Thanks and gratitude are due to the authority concerned who, when I lost both legs, provided me with two prostheses at no personal cost. These items are by no means inexpensive.

The prostheses have rendered me independent and capable of appreciating life again.

I must also mention family members and friends who also contributed through their help and encouragement.

Special thanks are due to the Capuchin Fathers who cater for the spiritual needs of everybody.

Heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all! We will always remember you with fondness for what you have done and are still doing for all of us!