Grateful for community
Dear Editor:
Recently, my husband and I were lucky enough to do one of our favorite things: We skied from our house in Wolf Creek to Winthrop for lunch. It was a glorious, sunny, snowy day, and our good fortune had us euphoric. To be in this amazing place, on these extraordinary trails, happy and healthy — we were exuberant and grateful.
Then, suddenly, we came upon a person in severe distress. We stopped to help but quickly realized his needs exceeded our training and ability, so we called 911. What happened next is something everyone in the Methow can applaud and be proud of.
The Winthrop Marshal’s office, U.S. Forest Service, Aero Methow Rescue Service and even the Washington State Patrol all rapidly sent experts to assist. Every single person went above and beyond to help this young man. It was awe-inspiring to see how much compassion and skill they all brought to the situation, and I’m certain they saved his life. It may have been just another day at work for these public servants, but it was a pretty impactful day for us — and for him.
It felt important to share this story, because it reminds us that even when we’re joyful someone else can be suffering. And it illustrates one of the many qualities that make the Methow special. This is a place where people look after each other. They support one another, even when they have differences. This is a community, in the best possible sense. We are so grateful to be part of it. The fact that we have an excellent local newspaper to which to write a letter like this is just another element to be grateful for!
Thank you, everyone. You inspire us.
Heidi de Laubenfels, Winthrop
