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Dear Winston and Joseph,
Thank you for your faxes of 16th February 98 (from Winston) and of 20th February 98 (from Joseph). We have a meeting with Theresa and Bernard Yim last Sunday to further review the situation taking into account the inputs from both of you. The following is a brief summary of our discussion and suggestion.
Analysis of current situation
- Father's current physical and mental condition is pretty unstable. This is further aggravated by his desolation in an environment he has been away for so many years. He needs more care and stimulation from friends he is familiar with and trusts. At the present moment he is quite depressed but there is nothing he can do about his own situation.
- The Salesians have done whatever they can to help Father by providing him with a good retirement in Ireland. But there is not much they can do to give him the kind of attention and care demanded by a Parkinson disease patient.
- Father has done so much to his pupils in the past that he is well respected, loved and cared of by a lot of Aloysians who are prepared to do whatever is needed for Father to alleviate his suffering.
- Over the last ten years, Father has from time to time come to Sydney for medical treatment of his PD. He is familiar with the country where he has a lot of Old Boys and friends to accompany and look after him. The weather there is particularly good for the disease.
- The Old Boys in Australia have identified a suitable Nursing Home for Father in Sydney. They welcome Father's relocation from Ireland and are committed to jointly share the load of providing him with a happy and comfortable living for the remaining time of his life.
- 1998 is the 40th anniversary of Fr Deane's and Fr Foster's ordination as priest.
Objective
To relocate Father from Ireland to Australia in an amicable way that is acceptable and supported by all parties concerned.
Strategy
- Pursue a win-win solution by maintaining a good and harmonious relationship with the Salesians in the whole negotiation process.
- ........
- Maintain a low key approach before a resolution is reached with all parties concerned to avoid any unnecessary complication and/or side-tracking.
- ........
- Get SLOBA's involvement to tap into their support and resources.
- Speed up the whole process in a realistic and practical way without forsaking the above.
Proposal
The Old Boys in Australia invites both Fr Deane and Fr Foster to visit Australia to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their ordination. Arrangement will be made for Father to stay in a nursing home in Sydney for a few months while he will receive specialist medical treatment to his Parkinson disease. Should Father wish to prolong his stay in Sydney after the event, every effort will be made to accommodate his wish.
Course of Action (in sequential order)
- Inform and convince SLOBA of the plan to gain their involvement and financial support.
- Liaise with the Salesian Provincial in Hong Kong for his proposal.
- Commit funding from all parties concerned – Salesians, SLOBA, any volunteers, fund raising, etc.
- Inform and line up the Old Boys in Australia.
- SLOBA Australia officially issues invitation to Fr Deane and Fr Foster.
- If necessary SLOBA Australia sends representative to escort Father from Ireland to Australia.
Winston, we can see no other person more instrumental than you in the successful eventuation of our common objective, given your status, knowledge, experience, as well as your current and past association with both SLOBA and the Salesians. While we will exert every effort to assist, your direct personal orchestration of the whole matter is crucial in the speedy relocation of Father out of Ireland.
We look forward to your soonest advice on our suggestion. Hopefully we can come to a consensus in our strategy and course of action in the next few weeks and then immediately turn our effort into action.
Best Personal Regards
Alex and Tony
P.S. Theresa will postpone her trip to Ireland until we have a more definite plan and schedule for Father.
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