To the Editor:

As mid-summer escorts me past three personal milestones — the one-year anniversary of the death of my husband, David Belcher; the welcomed arrival of his successor, Chancellor Kelli Brown, and her husband, Dennis; and my recent relocation closer to family in my home state of Missouri — I cannot help but reflect upon the past eight years of life with my adopted families of the Western Carolina University and Jackson County communities.

David’s appointment as chancellor of WCU in 2011 was, for us, kismet. Somehow, in the largeness of the universe, David and I found ourselves in the slice of heaven called Cullowhee. I could write reams on the good work that WCU and Jackson County together accomplished during this time, but David voiced these successes many times. I simply write to say, “Thank you for being our friends.” The WCU and Jackson County communities, as entities and as individuals, held a very special place in David’s heart, as they do in mine.  I know you will welcome Chancellor Brown and Dennis as warmly as you welcomed David and me. It will now be their joy to get to know you as it was ours.

The mountains are calling — I look forward to seeing you again,

Susan Brummell Belcher

Springfield, Missouri