Editor,

Well, I’m now recovering from my third bout with cancer, and Whidbey Island has proven itself to be the finest place in the world to live.

I won’t even attempt to name everyone who has helped me in my recovery because as we all know my mind is a sieve and I’ll forget someone. Before I even went in for surgery, U.S. Bank took myself and my best little buddy to a Seattle Mariners’ game. The folks at the Star Store insist on carrying my groceries out to my car. I had one person pay my phone bill for the month anonymously, and another anonymously pay a portion of my rent. Three pairs of people have taken me to the University of Washington Medical Center without allowing me to at least pay for a portion of the travel costs. I can’t begin to tell you how many people have brought me lunches and dinners.

My family and my surrogate family, the Thomases, keep a constant vigil on my well-being. The only person I will name is the one who keeps me going, my best little buddy, Shayne. Thank you Whidbey Island for making this such a wonderful place to be alive!

JOHN BALL

Langley