Letters to the editor: Giving thanks

MILITARY SUPPORT

Kind words meant a lot, as our son is in Iraq

To the kind young lady at Popeye's Chicken on Nov. 16, thank you! You must have seen our bumper sticker stating our son is in the U.S. Army, which prompted you to jump from your car and come to my window to tell us to thank him for his service. My wife and I were incredibly touched by such a kind and brave act from someone so young.

All you knew was what you saw on that bumper sticker. What you didn't know was that our son turned 25 on Veterans Day, but we couldn't celebrate it with him because he is in Iraq. We are celebrating our first Thanksgiving ever without him. This Christmas will be the second in a row that he will not be with us, except in spirit. While we're greatly saddened to have him gone, we know we are blessed that he has been safe. So many others have lost so much.

Now that you know a little more, perhaps you will understand how much your act of kindness meant to us. It's hard to find the right words. It's people like you that give us hope and confidence during these difficult times.

Happy holidays to you - and to all who support our troops, thank you!

MARK ECHEVERRIA, Boise

READING

Meridian mayor and CEOs help children enjoy books

I am a new resident of Meridian, and as a grandmother of three I was delighted to discover the Meridian Library's Mayor and CEO's Kids Book Club. What a wonderful way to encourage kids to read!

The group reads a different book each month. Mayor Tammy De Weerd and a local CEO have a discussion about the book with the kids, who get a snack and a book to take home for the next month. Thanks for this program. It is an excellent example of community support for our school reading programs.

LEE HIPSHER, Meridian

NEIGHBORS

Blessings can live next door

What a blessing it has been to have wonderful neighbors for 39 of the 40 years I have lived in Boise. Thank you.

"BON" MUNSON, Boise

GENEROSITY

Free dinner made my day

On Friday, Oct. 24, I dined at Boise's McGrath's Fish House between 6 and 7 p.m. I was informed by the wait person that a very nice gentleman and his companion had paid for my dinner. However, I was not aware of this kind deed until after these people had left the restaurant. Therefore, I was unable to thank them properly.

I would like to say "thank you" for this generous act of kindness. I would not have ordered the expensive wine had I known someone else was paying for it!

I definitely will "pay it forward."

SUSAN WYMER, Boise

VETERANS

Express thanks for those who gave to our country

I hope you'll find this story worth sharing with your readers. Fifty-seven years ago to the day on Veterans Day, my father landed in Korea to fight in the Korean War. He proudly wears a hat that says "Korean War Veteran" on it. On Veterans Day this year, while he and my mother were having breakfast, a young man stepped up to him, shook his hand and said, "Happy Veterans Day from one vet to another." My father thanked him and the young man went on his way. When it came time to pay their bill, my parents were told that it had been taken care of for them anonymously - by a fellow veteran, they assumed.

I'm not saying you have to buy meals for veterans, but do remember to thank them whenever you can for their selfless service to our country. And thank you to the gentleman who made a 78-year-old vet very proud.

TRACI SMITH, Boise

INTEGRITY

I'm happy to live where people do the right thing

On Nov. 17 at Walgreens drugstore at the corner of Ten Mile and Cherry Lane, the most wonderful thing happened to me. My husband and I went to purchase a new coffee pot because our old one had broken. We took it to the car and put it in the trunk. We then headed to Kentucky Fried Chicken. When we got there, we discovered I had left my purse in the cart back at Walgreens. We immediately turned around and went back, knowing there was no way we would ever get my purse back.

Can you believe someone took my purse to the manager? I am so grateful to that person. I am so glad I live in Idaho where things like this still happen. I was so thrilled that I put the purse by my bed last night so when I woke up I would know it wasn't a dream.

I would really like to know who turned in my purse. You didn't even leave your name. Thank you so much.

SHIRLEY BARNES, Meridian

COMMUNITY

Thanks for supporting the Boise Blanket Project

"Wrapping the Community in Warmth - The Boise Blanket Project" would like to thank the community.

We are filled with pride that over 100 blankets were donated to the project over 15 days. These blankets will go to those in need, keeping them warm this winter.

We would also like to extend our gratitude to the sponsors and the Idaho Statesman for making all of this possible. We look forward to the continued support and growth of this project in the future.

DARLENE GUTHNECK, TERRA COPHER, MEGAN BACHINI, KYLIE CYR AND LEAH LIAN

BOISE POLICE

Officer was helpful, kind when I was stranded

I would like to extend my appreciation to Officer Mark Duffin of the Boise Police Department.

On Nov. 7, he went beyond the call of duty to assist me when I was stranded at the onramp at Curtis Road. Along with being helpful, he was kind and courteous too. Such deeds shouldn't go without mention.

Mr. Duffin, you've been added to my prayers.

DARLA MILLS, Meridian