Letter to the Editor: Thanks to community for support in time of need

To the Community of Boca Grande,

We don’t know where to begin to thank the entire community of Boca Grande.

In October, Larry (my husband) needed ambulances not once, but twice, to Venice Hospital. Both the Clinic and the EMS people were superb.

He was diagnosed after two surgeries (at Venice Hospital) with a virus of the heart. He needed two more surgeries at Sarasota Heart Hospital.

Both hospitals and all doctors involved were superb. In fact Dr. James Landis, who spoke on December 10 here in Boca Grande, literally saved his life. We are most grateful to them.

However, the response from the community was incredible. Not only Father Carosella and Our Lady of Mercy (which happens to be our parish) but ALL the churches on the island, many dear friends and people we do not even know came together and prayed for us. People offered to do errands for us, and offered to help in any way they could. I could go on and on. It was truly overwhelming.

We have seen this kind of thing happen in Boca before, and never dreamed we would be the recipients of such kindnesses and thoughtfulness.

There certainly is something very special about this whole community.

He is doing well – making progress daily, and we attribute that to your many thoughts and prayers.

It is a privilege and honor to be part of such a warm, caring community. We will never be able to repay you, but are grateful beyond words.

Ellen and Larry Umlauf
Boca Grande