Dear editor,

A couple weeks back there was a terrible accident involving tourists and a local woman.

I was so proud at how my community pulled together to help out not only Fran, who is a long time resident, but also Michael and Meckky, who were vacationing from Germany.

I remember standing with Michael in People’s Drug Mart as he said he was always on the other side doing the giving. I simply hugged him and told him it was his turn to receive. 

Well, little did I know that two short weeks later I was to be on the receiving end.

At this past weekend’s co-ed hockey tourney I managed to acquire a rather nasty broken arm. Those of you who know me know I am very active, in both my business and the community.

Suddenly I am housebound and unable to do some of the most basic things to care for myself. Once again, I find myself full of pride at the people who call the North Island their home.

What an outpouring of love, care and concern I have received. From meals, cleaning and company, to the phone call from the paramedic asking how I am doing and a last minute reluctant volunteer willing to chair an all candidates meeting, it’s hard to express the feelings of gratitude I have for all who have done and are still doing things to make my day to day life a little more bearable during a painful healing process.

Gaby Wickstrom

Port McNeill