She is bedridden and blind but still has the enthusiasm of a child at heart and even the toothless smile to go with it. Her name is Cassilyn Russell, a 97-year-old senior citizen from Exchange in St. Ann, who is affectionately referred to as 'Aunt Cassie' by the 900-plus employees of Sandals Grande Ocho Rios.

Contributed - Cassilyn 'Aunt Cassie' Russell of Exchange, St. Ann, is fed by Adrian Nelson, public relations officer at Sandals Grande Ocho Rios. Aunt Cassie is the resort's golden ager and has become a member of the hotel family.

The relationship between Aunt Cassie and Sandals Grande is a unique one as the resort literally adopted the senior citizen back in January 2003. Since then, she has received a monthly supply of groceries from the hotel in addition to other goods and services. This includes a rocking chair, wheelchair and other convenient amenities.

Aunt Cassie will celebrate her 98th birthday on December 7. Unfortunately, her health is steadily deteriorating and she now has to consume a long list of medications on a daily basis. Sandals Grande Ocho Rios presently pays for all her medical prescriptions, which her granddaughters hail as a welcomed move in aiding their efforts financially.

a bittersweet feeling

"We don't know how we would survive without Sandals Grande," said Olga Harris. "It is not just about the financial and material support, but when we tell her that her boyfriend (Adrian Nelson, the resort's public relations manager) is here to see her, she blushes and is as happy as ever for that period when he visits."

"It's a bittersweet feeling for us, as while we do all we can to keep her happy, comfortable and in the best possible health, she still laments about her lack of sight and not being able to walk," Mr. Nelson noted. "But we make regular visits to see her and spend some time chatting and cheering her up each time. When we depart, we leave her with a big smile on her face."

"Me long fe see unu; oh dear, but I know I will lay eyes on unu again one day when we all meet in glory land," Aunt Cassie smiled during a recent visit by team members of Sandals Grande.

A special birthday party is being planned by the resort to celebrate her 98th birthday.