Editor,

Last Tuesday, a Seattle friend and I went day-tripping to Langley. While there, my friend tripped on a curb and went sprawling, hitting his head on the pavement. As I bent over him, a woman squatted next to me and said the words one most wants to hear in such a situation, “I’m a nurse. Can I help?” And help she did, assessing the situation, providing emergency care until the medics arrived, and reassuring us both. I later learned that the nurse’s name was Sharon Emerson and that she is running for mayor of Langley.

My gratitude goes out to Ms. Emerson for her kindness and calm competence. She is the gal I’d most want by my side or in front of me as a community leader.

Thanks also to Mike Cotton of the Fire Department and his capable team of volunteers, to the passers-by who assisted in various ways. One person got a sunbrella from a nearby café to shield my friend from the hot sun; another appeared with a cushion to place under his head; someone phoned the medics and so forth.

All’s well that ends well. My friend is OK, what a relief. We returned to Seattle impressed with Langley and its people. We hope to return shortly.

LAURA-LEE FINEMAN KARP

Seattle