The events that started on Feb. 1 have reminded me of the caring spirit which prevails on this island. That is the day I lost control of my Cessna airplane while handpropping it at the Eastsound Airport, totalling the airplane, damaging a nearby hangar, and causing serious injury to myself.

David Ecklund was on the scene almost immediately, and he rushed me over to Dr. Shinstrom’s office and then called the Fire Department to control the leaking fuel. Dr. Shinstrom’s staff included Phoebe Hershenow, Shyla Wachtel, Dawn Grace and Robyn Nordstrom-Lane, MD. They immediately checked for injuries, controlled my bleeding, and took care of all my immediate medical needs. Responding from the fire station were Chief Mike Harris, Lindsey Schirmer, Dwight Guss, Jeff Jones, Kevin McCoy, Bob Nutt, and Paul Turner. These capable people prepared me for airlift to Bellingham and dealt with the fuel hazards from the damaged airplane.

Sheriff’s Deputy Steve Vierthaler, Airport Manager Bea Von Tobel and Wayne Munich and Dwight Guss placed the plane back in its hangar after any danger from fuel leakage had passed. Pat Muffett offered to fly my wife Karen to Bellingham to be with me in the emergency room at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

During the three days we were in Bellingham, Karen and I were overwhelmed by the number of phone calls and emails from well-wishers around the islands. And our Rector, Bishop Craig Anderson, visited us in the hospital immediately prior to my surgery for facial fractures. Upon our return home, Dr. Chris White called to set up an appointment to treat any eye injuries. And we are extremely grateful for all the food and offers of support extended by friends and neighbors on our return.

At this point (Feb. 8), I am home and expecting a full recovery. As traumatic as this experience was, it brought home just how supporting this community is when it is needed. To all who responded so capably, my deepest thanks.

Gil Blinn

Orcas Island