LETTER TO THE EDITOR | Ferry workers showed kindness, professionalism

Editor, Last Monday, June 15, I was on the 3 p.m. boat from Mukilteo sitting in my car on the lower car deck when I witnessed something I thought should be in the paper. I noticed in my rearview mirror two ferry workers helping an elderly man walk between the cars. They helped him to the front of the boat where there are a couple chairs next to a recycling bin. Watching this really touched my heart because of the way they helped. The lead worker was holding the passenger’s hand to provide needed support and guidance while the worker taking up the rear was making sure that if the elderly man slipped or fell he would be caught. And the whole time they were helping the guy it was done in such a way that his dignity was preserved.

June 23, 2015 6:44 pm

Editor,

Last Monday, June 15, I was on the 3 p.m. boat from Mukilteo sitting in my car on the lower car deck when I witnessed something I thought should be in the paper.

I noticed in my rearview mirror two ferry workers helping an elderly man walk between the cars. They helped him to the front of the boat where there are a couple chairs next to a recycling bin. Watching this really touched my heart because of the way they helped. The lead worker was holding the passenger’s hand to provide needed support and guidance while the worker taking up the rear was making sure that if the elderly man slipped or fell he would be caught. And the whole time they were helping the guy it was done in such a way that his dignity was preserved.

After they got the guy seated, I got out of my car to compliment the ferry workers for their kindness. One of the crew told me that the elderly passenger was going to take the bus to Langley, then walk a mile and a half home. Before I could say anything a woman sitting in the passenger seat of a Suburban-type vehicle full of what looked like crab pots volunteered to take him home. The man she was with moved the crab pots around until he was able to make space for someone to sit in the back seat. Then, when the boat landed the ferry workers directed cars around the Suburban so that the old guy could get into the vehicle without any problems.

I didn’t get the names of the two men who were part of the ferry crew or the names of the couple who drove the man home. But they know who they are. I want them to know how much I appreciate the help they gave to a stranger. Over the years of taking the ferry, the crew has always acted professionally, but the two guys that helped the old man did their duty in exemplary fashion.

And the couple who drove the old man home are one of the big reasons why I love living on Whidbey Island. The fact that they cared about and helped someone they didn’t know, and went out of their way to do it, shows that they are good folks and I’m glad they are here on Whidbey.

Sincerely,

ERIC SNOW

Clinton