Community support helps to sustain Ostling family | Letters | Dec. 10

Our family has resided on Bain-bridge for 42 years for one reason: the loving and supportive community that has embraced us and our children. This same caring community has been an important force in sustaining us after the tragic death of our son, Doug.

To our neighbors that have surrounded us, protected us and helped us in every way possible, thank you for your devotion and support. To our neighbor and friend who handled the aftermath cleanup so that we would be shielded from such a horrible sight, our hearts go out to both of you with deep gratitude for your strength and endless care.

To Pastor Grant and Jenny Brewster, thank you for being our foundation when our world was torn apart. Thank you also for your continued guidance and counsel filled with love and faith.

To our friends who delivered meals, thank you for nurturing us in such an important way during our time of grieving.

To the countless members of the community who have sent cards, donations and flowers, thank you for your loving thoughts, prayers and actions. We have found great solace and comfort in your kind words and memories of our son.

To those who have stopped us on the streets to express their condolences, thank you for acknowledging our son’s life and death and our great loss with understanding, gentleness and fellowship.

We are truly surrounded by compassion, as our son was during his life.

Bill and Joyce Ostling

Bainbridge Island