Editor,

There has been a lot of negative press about the ferry: late ferries, broken down ferries and lack of staff. I am writing to applaud and thank the ferry workers for helping me when I experienced an emergency.

I consider the ferry staff like my community; as a commuter, besides my husband, I see them more of them than I see anyone. For me to know them by name, to know that one of their kids went to the same graduate school as I, to know what bracelets they like, how their divorce is going, has the baby arrived yet, oh-you are a leap year baby!

They are, well, like my friends.

And when I couldn’t talk and I was bleeding like a sieve they treated me like a queen. First on, first off, but it didn’t stop there. They came over to ask how I was while on the ferry, and for two weeks word traveled and every ferry worker asked me how I was. See, they are a family community too, and I felt so cared about. As one ferry person said to me when I thanked him, “We treat everyone as if they are special.” Well, that is exactly how I was treated and continue to be treated.

I thank all of you from the top, middle and bottom of my heart for your help in my recovery, for extending your ferry community to me, “just another commuter” who respects and appreciates you very much.

SUSAN E COHEN

Freeland