Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Rob, Adriana, Kevin and family,
Our sincere and deepest condolence to you and all of Avril's family. This lady known to you as a sister, wife, mother, aunt, friend and one of Chatham-Kent's best family doctor is a great loss for you and the lives of so many that she touched through her talent, devotion, compassion and love. Like many, we too, were patients of hers since she opened her practice in this community. Today, I would not be writing this without this little lady. On two occasions she saved my life and on many occasions, my son, Keith's life.
The day my son was born, she had a picnic planned with her own family but when things went wrong, she attended the hospital and never left until it was safe to do so. Her words, "if its the last thing I do, I will fix this child", has rang in my ears for nearly two decades now and will remain in my heart forever because as of three months ago, we finally received confirmation that he is "fixed" and no longer suffers with kidney disease.
In reading all the posted condolences it is clear that her manner in which she approached her profession was consistent with every patient. We all have our own special memories with your beloved Avril. Like many, we will never forget the many hours of devotion and attention she afforded to us as her patient. Her ability to build special bonds with all of us individually was astronomical and is definitely a loss for us as we move forward without her.
When we moved from the community, there was no question that we would maintain our relationship with this very dedicated and committed doctor. At times, she was amazed by this fact but we told her, there is no other doctor that we would trust with our health. She is the reason we are both still here today to share in the pain of this tragic loss.
It is a helpless feeling we share that we could not be there to "fix" our dear doctor as she "fixed" so many. We will miss her desperately. The impact this one little lady has left on so many will be remembered and treasured in the community for years to come. A true loss.
We move forward with our many memories of special difficult times we shared with her knowing that a true angel touched our hearts.
To the family, please know our best thoughts, prayers and love are with you during this most difficult of time, now and in the coming days. May your own special memories comfort and guide you as you rise and shine in her legacy and strive to make one of your own.
Rest in Peace our dear friend and doctor.
No words can express our heartfelt gratitude for all you gave to us and the community over all.
Your grateful patients,
Kathleen and Keith Arnold