A Transatlantic song of hope for grandparents
Video message from NY to EK care home
FRASER WILSON
Two residents at an East Kilbride care home were given a huge boost when their granddaughter serenaded them – all the way from upstate New York.
Suzie Beyor sang the Eddi Reader’s version of Auld Lang Syne to her grandparents at Kingsgate care home.
And it was just the tonic for Anne and David Taylor (91 and 93 respectively) as the deadly coronavirus pandemic took hold and forced the home into lockdown.
Worrying for their health, Suzie’s concerns for her beloved grandparents was heightened by her distance from them.
So, she organised with Billy McLoughlin and Kathleen Crymble from Kingsgate to send them a recording to let them know she was thinking of them during the pandemic.
David said: “It was great to hear Suzie’s lovely singing voice and thank you to Billy and Kathleen for helping to set it up.
“Technology really helps to keep people connected, which makes her being so far away that little bit easier.”
Anne and David have been married for almost 70 years and have three children together.
David was an electrician for British Rail and Anne was a tailor and dress maker.
Suzie moved to New York in 2016 to live with her American husband after being in a long distance relationship for five years.
She tries to stay in touch with her grandparents as often as she can, but knew it was particularly important in the current climate.
Anne added: “I’m so proud of Suzie for pursuing her dreams and moving to New York, but we miss her greatly.
“I loved the clip of her singing and I was proud to tell the other residents that she is our granddaughter.”
And not only was the recording the perfect pick-me-up for Anne and David, but for all the residents, with her rendition of the Burns’ classic played into the lounge for all to hear.
Donna Davidson, home manager at Kingsgate, said: “Suzie has a wonderful singing voice and thanks to the powers of technology we were able to share it with David and Anne.
“It was a very emotional moment for all of us.
“They really enjoyed listening to the wonderful recording, as did many other residents who heard her singing.”