Opinion articles provide independent perspectives on key community issues, separate from our newsroom reporting.

Letters to the Editor

Letter: Thanks for support in time of need

On Nov, 11, 1995, my dad was hiking near our home on South Union and was struck head-on by a Jeep Wagoneer. The driver fled the scene but was arrested a month later. He was convicted of vehicular assault. Because it was a hit-and-run, they were not able to check his blood alcohol content, although several witnesses described him as intoxicated at the party he left at 4:30 a.m.

My dad survived, but is now permanently disabled. Please remember that your choices affect everyone. Please don’t drive under the influence.

Twenty-one years later, I still remember the kind words and deeds of our community. Thank you to the Kennewick Police Department, which sent my brothers and I gifts as we were in Seattle with my dad over Christmas. Thank you to Mike Gaines for solving the case. Thank you to Dad’s coworkers at WPPSS (now Energy Northwest), who also sent cards and gifts, and built a ramp for our house. Thank you to my extended family for taking care of my brothers and I while my mom was at my dad’s bedside.

We couldn’t have made it through without all your support.

Lindy Verhei, Kennewick

This story was originally published November 15, 2016 at 4:16 AM with the headline "Letter: Thanks for support in time of need."

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