This letter is a result of an accident Dec. 28 on West Beach Road involving two young men. We should say initially involving two young men because in the case of this accident, or any for that matter, the ripple effect was immediate. Unfortunately, our son was one of these young men and since the wreck happened only half a mile from our home, I was one of the earliest to arrive so was able to see the ripple as it expanded.

First, thanks to the friends who called the house, and the other friends who called 911, and the neighbors who helped our son from the truck but could not help his buddy who was pinned in.

From here the circle expands quickly. The half dozen or so sheriff’s deputies and State Patrol, the unknown number of fire department and rescue personnel who extracted the other young man from the twisted vehicle. The paramedics who initially cared for and transported the young men to Whidbey General Hospital. Then all the people — ER staff, surgical staff, doctors and nurses in the recovery room, physical therapists, etc., at the hospital. This letter is to thank all these people. We regret we could not meet and individually thank everyone that helped at the scene.

As for everyone we did meet at Whidbey General Hospital, our deepest appreciation goes out to all of you. Sadly, though we did not meet each doctor and nurse, we know that all too soon their names we’ll forget and the faces will fade from memory, but their hard work, caring and compassion will never be forgotten.

We also wish to express thanks to the family, friends, co-workers and neighbors for their concern, prayers and help. We are most deeply thankful to be writing this as a letter to the editor. We truly believe that this could easily have been an obituary except for one thing: SEATBELTS. Keep harping on the important things, parents. Teenagers do listen, more than they would have you believe.

Also, next time a bond, levy or tax increase comes up for our emergency personnel, please support it. It’s very easy to not think about everything they do and the equipment they need until YOU need it.

Mike and Dianne Daves live in Oak Harbor