Member Letters

QUIET GUARDIANS

For my brother George, the early onset of dementia at 68 was a cruel thief, slowly stealing his independence. Yet twice a month, with remarkable determination, he embarked on a full-day odyssey to attend his medical appointments in Burlington, a world away from his home in Barrie, and accessible only through the sprawling GO Transit system.

His journey began before dawn, with a 5:30 a.m. departure from Barrie, a transfer at Toronto’s bustling Union Station, and a final leg to Burlington, where family members anxiously awaited to drive him to his appointments. At day’s end, he insisted on making the return trip home by himself.

Privately, we were deeply concerned. How could a man battling a fading mind navigate such a complex system, deciphering platforms, train numbers and departure times amidst the chaos of Canada’s busiest terminal?

Eventually, the burden grew too great. George moved first to a retirement home in Burlington and later to St. Peter’s Hospital in Hamilton as his condition advanced. It was there that the mystery of his journeys slowly unravelled.

One day, we received a phone call. A gentle, concerned voice asked, “I haven’t seen George at the station for a while. Is he alright?”

Her name was Rosemaree, a PSW with GO Transit in Barrie. Unbeknownst to us, she had become George’s silent guardian. Rosemaree would meet him at the Barrie terminal, ensure he boarded the correct train, and coordinate with colleagues in Toronto to guide him on to the Burlington connection. She shared early morning coffees with him, helped purchase his tickets when he forgot his wallet — all without fanfare. She made his independence possible twice a month.

Now, almost a year later, she asked if she could visit him — a two-hour drive — simply to see if he was okay. We warned her that George’s memory had declined significantly and that he might not recognize her. But without hesitation, she came.

When she entered his hospital room, something extraordinary happened. George, usually adrift in confusion, locked eyes with her. Tears welled up, and a slow, radiant smile crossed his face. He remembered her. They embraced, two souls linked by quiet acts of kindness.

His dementia, frontotemporal, had erased so much: recent events, family faces, even the present moment. But his memory of her lived on, untouched.

To the GO Transit Authority, we offer our deepest gratitude. Your commitment to accessibility, inclusion and dignity for all passengers speaks volumes.

To Rosemaree, words are not enough. You gave George more than safe passage; you preserved his dignity, his sense of independence and his spirit. Your compassion toward a complete stranger reflects a rare and beautiful humanity. You will forever hold a place in our family’s hearts. With sincere gratitude,

–John C. and family