To the editor:

As part of making many changes in my life over the last year, I decided to move to Lawrence from the Kansas City area. I definitely made the right decision.

My perception of Lawrence residents was borne out on Feb. 26. I was on a road bike ride with a friend and had a major wipeout when I hit a patch of sand that was left after the recent snows. A Good Samaritan named Mary stopped, loaded me (muddy tights and all) and my bike into her Subaru and took me back to my friend’s house where my car was parked, even loading my bike from her car to mine when we arrived. I didn’t even get her last name, but thank you, Mary!

I went to the emergency room to have my injuries checked out. Even before I left the ER, some of my new Lawrence friends had called and left messages on my cell phone. People who have known me for only a few months were offering to bring by a pizza, pick up groceries, run me to the drugstore, and so on.

I have found Lawrence to be a warm and friendly town, with a perfect combination of big-town amenities like cultural events, live music, good shopping and good restaurants, and that small-town feeling where everyone is just a little more laid back, a little more trusting and a lot more friendly.

Thanks to everyone who has been so warm and welcoming.

Belinda Holmes,

Lawrence