LOSS: Community helped ease pain

Losing a loved one leaves you in shock and dismay. And after the reality of it all, you start to think about people who helped you travel through the trauma of the moment.

The wonderful person at the 911 facility who assisted me through the shock I was in.

The quick response of the EMT staff and the personnel of the fire department who were so thoughtful and considerate of my needs.

On arriving at Kootenai Medical Center the attention, concern and love and care shown by the ER medical staff was second to none, especially Chris and the Chaplain, Jennifer James.

Shocked by it all you go home and find that your neighbor across the street, Annie, had stepped in and handled the many calls and notifications necessary. Now I know why her given name is “Angelica.”

And I’m so thankful for all my family, neighbors and friends that came and helped me with all the many duties of the moment, taking care of the things that were difficult to address.

John was opinionated about some things and would banter back and forth his thoughts, and I so thank Cliff Harris for his kind remarks.

With Thanksgiving approaching we were so thankful for the kind remarks of the Coeur d’Alene Press Editor Mike Patrick, calling our attention to “your place is empty.”

To all of you, my family and I are forever grateful.

RICKIE RITTERBACH

Hayden