Sequim Gazette Editorial and Letters to the Editor
Letters to the editor
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Hooray for the fans
I just want to say thank you so much to all of the Sequim football fans who came to our state playoff game Saturday night against Burlington-Edison. It is such a thrill and honor to play in front of fans who are so dedicated to our team. Having them there to support us gave both the defense and offense a huge boost. When we are out on the field and the crowd is going wild, there is a sense of energy that is indescribable. We cannot say thank you enough for all your support. See you next weekend! Go Wolves!
Drew Rickerson
SHS football
Sharing information and hope
Breathing - something I took for granted for many years, with plenty of air for work, playing with grandchildren or whatever.
Then things started to change. I would struggle to breathe when I walked out into the cold or smelled fresh flowers or someone's fragrance. At other times, there was no apparent cause for my sudden discomfort.
I was diagnosed with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and gradually was given more help to control these problems. Diet and exercise, and various inhalers and medications, along with supplemental oxygen kept me moving for a long time, but I slowly deteriorated until I had a life-threatening episode that hospitalized me for over a month.
I was given the option of a lung transplant after much testing. I moved full-speed ahead and received a life-saving gift four years ago. There is no way to thank a family or God for such a blessing.
During my years of dealing with the disease and especially the transplant, I always wanted to talk to others with these issues. When I was given the name of another person considering a lung transplant, I jumped at the chance for a visit.
We have now grown to a larger group of up to 40 people meeting to support and educate each other with information on new medicines, traveling and positive outlooks.
My life is again full and busy, but I don't take breathing for granted now.
Aloma Blaylock
Port Angeles
The gift that always fits
During the fast approaching holidays, many church groups, service clubs and businesses create gift baskets for families who are struggling. The Clallam County Literacy Council would like to suggest that these groups consider adding one or more children's books to their baskets.
These gifts are so appreciated by children and help kids, and their parents as well, improve their reading skills when they read together.
Did you know that one in five people in our county has poor reading skills? And a gift of books is always a welcome gift, even for those who are not struggling.
The Clallam County Literacy Council hopes that everyone in Clallam County gets a chance to enjoy one or more good books over the holidays. View our Web site at www.ClallamReads.org for more information on ways to enjoy and support reading.
Colette Cavaleri, chairwoman
Clallam County Literacy Council
A gift to the girls
I pulled up to the field expecting the annual Kids vs Parents soccer game to be canceled. It was pouring rain, windy and cold. My van slid in the mud to a stop by a huddled group of parents surrounding coach Amber.
They were waiting for the kids to get to the field, waiting in the pouring rain. The group grew, parents, siblings and the team all showed up to play. A ball was kicked and the game was on. Parents and kids played until dark drove us from the field.
Amber Taft has volunteered to coach Sequim Junior League Girls Soccer for many years.
Some seasons the girls did not win a single game. The next year, the girls came back to play again. Some seasons the girls had to play against mainly boys teams. The girls came back to play again. Year after year, the girls came back to play for coach Amber, advancing their skills and enthusiasm.
Coach Amber has quietly taught perseverance, sportsmanship, respect for others and love of the game. These skills will enable these girls to be champions of their lives.
I would like to acknowledge Amber Taft for the great gift she has given to these girls. She has given all of them a bright future.
Thank you Amber.
Ann Chihan
Sequim
Way beyond
Recently, I arrived home from work to find my husband slumped in a chair, sweating profusely and unable to speak or respond. Never having seen these type of symptoms before, I suspected he may have had a stroke.
I called 9-1-1. Although it seemed to take forever, in reality the Carlsborg Fire Station EMTs were at our door within five minutes. Calmly and efficiently, they accurately assessed my husband, a diabetic, as having a dangerously low blood sugar count of 31. While kneeling on our living room floor, they quickly established an IV line, treated him with dextrose and carefully monitored his heart.
In a very brief time, my husband responded to the treatment and was smiling and talking about fishing with one of the EMTs, Marc Lawson. The EMTs made sure my husband was stable and kindly assured me I could call them again with any questions.
As they headed back out to pack up their equipment, they noticed that in my haste I had left my car tailgate open and, without a word, they carried in my groceries and offered to help with anything else I might need.
From the first response of the dispatcher, who calmly instructed and reassured me over the phone until help arrived, to going way above and beyond the call of duty by carrying in my groceries, the Carlsborg EMTs were professional, quick, kind, caring and efficient.
Donna Cummins
Sequim
Good dog,
bad rap
"It often happens that a man is more humanly related to a dog or cat than to any human being." Henry David Thoreau
Thank you to all who assisted us in the rescue of Ta-Tonka, a red and white pit bull with a reputation he didn't deserve. All the prayers and support made possible the rescue of this fantastic animal who otherwise would have been put to death.
Many thanks and kudos to Steve Markwell of Olympic Animal Sanctuary, Tracey Kellas of animal control and Debbie of the Sequim Animal Hospital. Because of you, the animal world is a better place.
Please support a no-kill community; spay or neuter your pets.
Diane Drake
Port Angeles
I just want to say thank you so much to all of the Sequim football fans who came to our state playoff game Saturday night against Burlington-Edison. It is such a thrill and honor to play in front of fans who are so dedicated to our team. Having them there to support us gave both the defense and offense a huge boost. When we are out on the field and the crowd is going wild, there is a sense of energy that is indescribable. We cannot say thank you enough for all your support. See you next weekend! Go Wolves!
Drew Rickerson
SHS football
Sharing information and hope
Breathing - something I took for granted for many years, with plenty of air for work, playing with grandchildren or whatever.
Then things started to change. I would struggle to breathe when I walked out into the cold or smelled fresh flowers or someone's fragrance. At other times, there was no apparent cause for my sudden discomfort.
I was diagnosed with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and gradually was given more help to control these problems. Diet and exercise, and various inhalers and medications, along with supplemental oxygen kept me moving for a long time, but I slowly deteriorated until I had a life-threatening episode that hospitalized me for over a month.
I was given the option of a lung transplant after much testing. I moved full-speed ahead and received a life-saving gift four years ago. There is no way to thank a family or God for such a blessing.
During my years of dealing with the disease and especially the transplant, I always wanted to talk to others with these issues. When I was given the name of another person considering a lung transplant, I jumped at the chance for a visit.
We have now grown to a larger group of up to 40 people meeting to support and educate each other with information on new medicines, traveling and positive outlooks.
My life is again full and busy, but I don't take breathing for granted now.
Aloma Blaylock
Port Angeles
The gift that always fits
During the fast approaching holidays, many church groups, service clubs and businesses create gift baskets for families who are struggling. The Clallam County Literacy Council would like to suggest that these groups consider adding one or more children's books to their baskets.
These gifts are so appreciated by children and help kids, and their parents as well, improve their reading skills when they read together.
Did you know that one in five people in our county has poor reading skills? And a gift of books is always a welcome gift, even for those who are not struggling.
The Clallam County Literacy Council hopes that everyone in Clallam County gets a chance to enjoy one or more good books over the holidays. View our Web site at www.ClallamReads.org for more information on ways to enjoy and support reading.
Colette Cavaleri, chairwoman
Clallam County Literacy Council
A gift to the girls
I pulled up to the field expecting the annual Kids vs Parents soccer game to be canceled. It was pouring rain, windy and cold. My van slid in the mud to a stop by a huddled group of parents surrounding coach Amber.
They were waiting for the kids to get to the field, waiting in the pouring rain. The group grew, parents, siblings and the team all showed up to play. A ball was kicked and the game was on. Parents and kids played until dark drove us from the field.
Amber Taft has volunteered to coach Sequim Junior League Girls Soccer for many years.
Some seasons the girls did not win a single game. The next year, the girls came back to play again. Some seasons the girls had to play against mainly boys teams. The girls came back to play again. Year after year, the girls came back to play for coach Amber, advancing their skills and enthusiasm.
Coach Amber has quietly taught perseverance, sportsmanship, respect for others and love of the game. These skills will enable these girls to be champions of their lives.
I would like to acknowledge Amber Taft for the great gift she has given to these girls. She has given all of them a bright future.
Thank you Amber.
Ann Chihan
Sequim
Way beyond
Recently, I arrived home from work to find my husband slumped in a chair, sweating profusely and unable to speak or respond. Never having seen these type of symptoms before, I suspected he may have had a stroke.
I called 9-1-1. Although it seemed to take forever, in reality the Carlsborg Fire Station EMTs were at our door within five minutes. Calmly and efficiently, they accurately assessed my husband, a diabetic, as having a dangerously low blood sugar count of 31. While kneeling on our living room floor, they quickly established an IV line, treated him with dextrose and carefully monitored his heart.
In a very brief time, my husband responded to the treatment and was smiling and talking about fishing with one of the EMTs, Marc Lawson. The EMTs made sure my husband was stable and kindly assured me I could call them again with any questions.
As they headed back out to pack up their equipment, they noticed that in my haste I had left my car tailgate open and, without a word, they carried in my groceries and offered to help with anything else I might need.
From the first response of the dispatcher, who calmly instructed and reassured me over the phone until help arrived, to going way above and beyond the call of duty by carrying in my groceries, the Carlsborg EMTs were professional, quick, kind, caring and efficient.
Donna Cummins
Sequim
Good dog,
bad rap
"It often happens that a man is more humanly related to a dog or cat than to any human being." Henry David Thoreau
Thank you to all who assisted us in the rescue of Ta-Tonka, a red and white pit bull with a reputation he didn't deserve. All the prayers and support made possible the rescue of this fantastic animal who otherwise would have been put to death.
Many thanks and kudos to Steve Markwell of Olympic Animal Sanctuary, Tracey Kellas of animal control and Debbie of the Sequim Animal Hospital. Because of you, the animal world is a better place.
Please support a no-kill community; spay or neuter your pets.
Diane Drake
Port Angeles
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