My name is Laurie Dolph. My father, Jim Dolph, a resident at Garrison Green and a friend of Dorothy's, had dinner often with Dorothy. She'd always bring the Walkers oat crackers and my dad would bring the old cheddar. They'd nibble on this before dinner and would share a bottle of Taylor Fladgate port, which they'd take turns buying. The bottle would last them a week or so and one of them would always carry it from their place to the dining room in his/her walker. I had dinner with your mom three nights a week, as I'd show M*A*S*H on Mondays, have a singalong with dad on Wednesdays, and show a movie on Fridays, at Garrison Green. I would meet your mom and my dad at 5:00 on those evenings, and we'd spend two hours eating and talking about Ireland. One of my favourite stories, told to me by Dorothy, was of two dogs - one of them a basset hound. A bigger dog (Saint Bernard, perhaps) would walk to the basset hound's house every day. He'd collect the basset hound and they'd both walk to the butcher shop together to get a treat. I believe this was when Dorothy, your dad, and your family lived in Ontario. I never tired of her stories of growing up in Ireland and, before I went one Spring, your mom told me of all the places to visit. I went to the beach in Portrush where Dorothy spent many a summer day, picnicking with her family. I was so excited, upon returning home, to give her a large photo of Ballycastle and Portrush. My father and I had Christmas dinner with Dorothy, the year before last. I adored your mother. Listening to her stories, seeing her smile as I kissed her cheek in greeting, and holding her hand when I said goodbye to her after our dinners. The picture you've posted of her is perfect. I have printed it and put it on my fridge. My life is richer for having known Dorothy. I'm sad that she is gone, but I'll carry the memory of her warmth, kindness, and sense of humour always.
