To the editor:

We all live with a sense of denial. Such was the case for me on Monday morning, March 3. It was apparent my husband, Dick Stanwix, needed more assistance than I could give him that morning. Dialing 911 is the last thing you imagine yourself doing. However, in a few seconds, my front door bell rang, EMTs and law enforcement personnel were in my home attending to Dick. They quickly made the decision to transport him to Lawrence Memorial Hospital. For nine days, we were given the gift of medical professionals with caring and concern for all of us. They permitted our family to stay around the clock with Dick.

How grateful we are to live in a community where we are guided through unbearable crises with such dedicated and caring public servants. My family and I will forever feel grateful for the professional ability of these men and women and many others who guided us through an emotional week.

Dick died early on Tuesday, March 11. Dick loved the city of Lawrence, his home for 77 years. Our faith tells us “he is now safely home.”

Verna Stanwix,
Lawrence