To the editor:
We all know someone who is struggling. Even when they have worked hard all their lives so they could enjoy the later years, the grandchildren and the friendships in their community.
How do you prepare for the devastating health diagnosis? You thought you had enough insurance or the ability to care for yourself or a loved one. And when it goes bad, it all seems to go bad at the same time, making it all overwhelming.
And so it has happened to Seth Mackie. After struggling with an elusive proper diagnosis and treatment of drug-induced Parkinson’s disease from taking a drug for heartburn, Seth has been hospitalized eight times this year alone.
Seth and Connie Mackie were married in St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Clinton more than 44 years ago. The Mackie family has deep roots on Whidbey Island, with Seth’s parents (Enid and Clayton Mackie) in the local history books and founding community members in Clinton. Connie’s parents had a little house down on Columbia beach next to the ferry dock and can remember many local tales of the old ferry boats.
Seth and Connie went on to college in Everett, and then Seth went to work for the Department of Natural Resources while Connie became a registered nurse. Seth eventually worked for South Whidbey Parks and Connie nurtured our children as a school aide and nurse at South Whidbey schools.
Both have been a solid part of our community, volunteering as a soccer coach for two generations, president of the Clinton Progressive Club, the Clinton Library, St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Community Emergency Response Teams, Medical Reserve Corps and the Island County Fair, giving the gift of community leadership to help all of us.
In March, Connie had to take Seth to a treatment facility in Olympia that could specialize in care for Seth. It has been a very long and lonely road for both of them. They are away from family and friends who care so much for this charming and hardworking couple.
The costs for Seth’s care have been overwhelming for Connie. She has had to find a place to stay close to Seth, and has not been able to afford much more than the couch in the hall of the facility. While Seth is making progress in his therapy, the financial stress is reducing that hard-earned care.
We can show our appreciation for what the Mackies have done for our community. They need financial assistance to pay medical bills. If you can help, regardless of the amount, please donate to a fund set up in their name at any Whidbey Island Bank branch. Visitors and cards are also appreciated, to help them remember home and those who care so much for these community pillars that make living on Whidbey Island special.
AUDREY WEMBERLY
Langley
