Hello Westfield, especially, Ward 3, OK, I have not lost it, but I must say something most sincere and heart felt…I was at our City Council meeting last Monday. I take it that some read my editorials as I receive great sympathy and condolences for the passing of my dog Ollie. The Mayor, Joe Mitchell, who I and the city will miss. Several councilors, one, Councilor at Large Cindy Harris even followed up with wonderful card of positive sentiments, which I really needed. Likewise, at the School Committee meeting members spoke to me personally of their sincere feelings regarding my loss. Even this woman who has only known me and Ollie for a short time, delivered me a meal to help. As such, while going to the stores, when asked how I am doing; I would tell them not so good, and why. Strangers expressed their condolences, and related similar events. Appreciate the good that people do. There are good and wonderful people out there; appreciate them.
I was at the City Councilor’s meeting for the purpose of giving appreciation and thanks to our police dept. Someone contacted them to have a wellness check done. Not knowing who had them go, I just wanted to make it as public as I could to say thank you. As well, to express my appreciation to our police. We hear way too often about problems with police. We should take care not only great pride in their conduct, but in their service as well. When you are hitting bottom, and to have people really care is so heartwarming, and so very needed, and appreciated; well it meant a whole lot to me so…THANK YOU ALL! Oh, by the way, Ollie had a bunch of food and stuff, so I donated it to our animal rescue people in Ollie’s name. From one animal lover to all the rest of you. While over there, I noticed a list of things that they could use, stop by, check it out, and if you can help PLEASE DO.
As said, Ollie was 16 and has been my best friend for 14 years. And, that is good for a dog that is 70-80 lbs. When you live alone, as all that do know, that this kind of loss can be devastating, for now you are really alone, and without reason to even get up in the morning. And, even when you do, now what? My job now is to find something with meaningful purpose to do. Many of you know parts of my story; my life has always been given to civic and civil service. That is: what is meaningful and of good life purpose.
OK, sorry for sounding pathetic, but I have always done my best to be straight up with my words. And, as someone who lives with depression, it is as important to give well, as it is to receive good. I will be writing more about depression as it is taking a toll in our world. Like any aliment, to deal with it we must be able to talk about it, and that helps to save lives, that too then is a subject of purpose. Your former, Ward 3 City Councilor, Brian Hoose…[email protected]
