Editor,

Tuesday, the home of Merla Halbeisen was destroyed by fire, a total loss. Nothing was spared, even my best friend, Chloe, a great black lab mix, and her friend Lucy, a rat-terrier, perished in the smoke. Merla is just fine, no physical harm thankfully.

I’ve been a little distracted, needless to say, but I want to tip my hat to all the folks who have come running to my family’s aid. Words and tears can’t express our feelings.

Irish Mary, Edmond, Jan and Des from Wheel Estates saved my mom by getting her out. Eldon Baker and all of the brave men and women from the fire department, and ambulance people took care of business quickly. Nancy, Ricardo and Patty from the Red Cross, thank you so much! And out of the blue, Pastor Andy and the family of the Christian Life Church donated so much, I can’t even begin to explain. Praise God. But a huge thanks goes to Ralph and Barbara Mundell, also Marsha and Claire and my friend Chris Brooks.

I couldn’t be making progress without all these wonderful people’s help.

I’ve got Beth Plush from Island County and Brooke Ott helping me care for my mom and all the great people at Whidbey General helping me to do what I can’t do. I knew that if my mom could say it, she’d love to thank you all. This was her dream and I’ll keep it going.

CHIP HALBEISEN

South Whidbey