To the Editor:

When someone you love has a sudden onset of an acute illness, there are numerous fears to deal with. On Friday, Oct. 10, my husband required transport to Mission Hospital. There is no need to recount the long hours of wait before it became obvious this was the course to take. We left late at night arriving at Mission just before midnight.

I cannot say enough about Haywood County EMS and the care David Roberts and Mark Bleckly gave my husband and the gentle assurances they gave me. They were professional and imparted the right degree of lightheartedness to me when I’m sure they could see I was close to tears. I don’t often drive at night, particularly at “ambulance speed” down I-40. I stayed right behind them with every confidence they would get us all there safely. I’m sure all the EMS crews are as good, but these were my guys. My husband is home now and will be fine in the very near future.

In the past week I’ve had lots of time to think. We have lived in Haywood County for more than 30 years and are year-round residents who have been actively involved all that time. This is our home. We know what a struggle it is come budget time for people to agree on spending money in vital areas such as the safety and wellbeing of our citizens. We hear every year about the fear of raising taxes. Department heads should not have to beg for the resources they need to allow their staffs to do the difficult and vital work that is so important for excellent quality of life.

Again, our heartfelt thanks to EMS Director Jim Pressley and my guys, David Roberts and Mark Bleckley. We love you.

Sarah Sherman

Bethel