LETTER TO THE EDITOR | Grateful for care, sensitivity after husband’s death

Editor, In early 2015, I very unexpectedly lost my husband of 30 years. And then, just as unexpectedly, I became the recipient of what was to become an enormous amount of care and support, here and there, from this community. As I now look back at the past year, making a mental list of all that support, I began to realize how long that list truly was, and that I really needed to share it and to publicly thank all of you, for so many of you were anonymous and so generously supportive.

February 17, 2016 10:00 am

Editor,

In early 2015, I very unexpectedly lost my husband of 30 years. And then, just as unexpectedly, I became the recipient of what was to become an enormous amount of care and support, here and there, from this community.

As I now look back at the past year, making a mental list of all that support, I began to realize how long that list truly was, and that I really needed to share it and to publicly thank all of you, for so many of you were anonymous and so generously supportive. I now want to call attention to and express my very deep gratitude for the incredible response that comes from this Whidbey Island community. There is such a profound matrix of caring and concern here. Thank you to:

– My extraordinary neighbors above Nation Drive on Possession Point; you are like family to me

– All the donors and volunteers of Friends of Friends, your support was there when needed the most

– The very sensitive staff at Visser Funeral Home

– The Island County Sheriff’s Department, for your very caring response

– All the emergency medical technicians who worked so very hard and in such a heartfelt manner

– Clinton Automotive, Stu and employees, for all your very patient help and kind concern

– All the employees at US Bank in Langley, for your incredible sensitivity and much-needed guidance

– My dear NorthWest Designer Craftsmen & Museo gallery friends. You have been terrific

– The Rob Schouten Gallery, Rob, Victory and Patricia, for all your very loving friendship and support

– Drew’s List (Drew Kampion) for your concern and touching tribute to Richard

– All Care Roof Service, especially Sarah, for such generosity when I needed a hand with my roof leaks

– Hearts & Hammers (and Larry Rohan for that house call), your energetic help is so very wonderful

– All the donors and volunteers of Good Cheer Food Bank, your help is truly beyond words

– Attorney Jake Cohen and staff, for your generosity and thoughtful guidance.

I feel I’m not just thanking individuals, I’m thanking a communal entity that is a dynamic mechanism of the best in human nature. It can predominate, and Whidbey does it so well. Thanks to all of you!

In loving memory of Richard Engstrom.

BETH WYATT

Possession Point