DEAR SUN SPOTS: While doing research on my family just this morning, I retrieved an article from the Lewiston Daily Sun archives regarding my dad, Laurence Bryant, who was critically injured in a hunting accident on Oct. 24, 1957. Upon reading the article, I learned that the kind acts of the community of Otis Mill employees helped to save my Dad’s life by donating blood.

My family’s focus is on those individuals who came forward and helped to save Dad’s life. We don’t know the identity of the people who came forward to help him and they may have already passed on. However, we want to express our heartfelt appreciation for their compassion, kindness and their sense of community. How truly remarkable!

This is a belated notice thanking those folks. My sister and I would never have known him had the employees of Otis Mill not come forward on that day in October. My sister was only 4 and I was 2 1/2. He passed away in January 2017.

You know, it’s never too late to say: “Thank you.”

—Linda, no town

ANSWER: This so touched my heart. As I’ve said before, when I sit down at my computer to write Sun Spots, I never know what I am going to find in the inbox. This is such a beautiful story. Donating blood is so needed. Please consider taking the time to give the gift of life.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I want to thank the kind person who helped me by clearing my pathway with a snow blower. They also shoveled a small path so I could put food out for my little feathered friends on Monday. When I went out to clear it, it had already been done.

I want to thank you, whoever you are. May the good Lord keep you safe, too.

—Heidi, Dryden

ANSWER: Heidi is a very loyal Sun Spots reader and I want to join her in thanking this kind-hearted person who is watching out for her. As I’ve written here before, readers, I urge you to be “awake and aware.” Pay attention to those around you who could benefit from a small act of kindness. I love this Rumi quote that I have on the wall in my house: “Be a lamp, a lifeboat, or a ladder. Help someone’s soul heal. Walk out of your house like a shepherd.” There is always room in Sun Spots to share these thank you notes.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I would like to give kudos to SeniorsPlus in Lewiston. They helped me connect with someone in need of a hospital bed so I could pass along my mom’s no longer needed bed. Her wheelchair was also passed on to someone in need. I expect they could find homes for other adaptive equipment as well, and help those looking for adaptive items. Thank you, SeniorsPlus.

—Ruth, no town

ANSWER: SeniorsPlus, 207-795-4010, at 8 Falcon Road in Lewiston, is the place to contact for services and resources for seniors and disabled adults. They are extremely helpful and accommodating. They help adults make informed choices about aging well and living independently and safely at home. Services include nutrition, education, counseling and home-care coordination. For more information, check out their website at seniorsplus.org.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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