Page 62 - Firehouse Pond

SPECIAL THANKS FROM THOMAS

My special thanks to a remarkable doctor, Dr. Harriet J. Echternacht. Dr.
Echternacht was first a doctor of my sister Evie, and our whole family

followed.

Dr. Echternacht sat with my first wife, Barb, for many hours. She went to my
father-in-law's house in the middle of the night, at one or two in the morning,

to let them know when Barb died. She remembered when I saw her lately
how I brought her turnips, asparagus, dill bread, and even two wild rabbits to
show her my thanks. She said she'd never gotten those gifts from any patient

before.

"We loved her, she was the best," adds Sherry.

Joy asks again, "Is it okay to share these stories and thoughts of yours with all
your family, and even with people other than your family?" I say it's okay for

her to share this with anyone. Then I think to ask, "Do you think we can make
any money off of it?"

Joy laughs and says, "Probably not but I have to say, Thomas, that you are

one of the most creative, resourceful, scrappy, hard-working, and goal-
oriented people I have ever met.”