Reflection And Gratitude

To the Editor:

As I approach the third anniversary of my heart attack and bypass surgery, I find this a time for reflection and gratitude. Aside from (but in no way minimizing) the love and support of my wonderful family and friends, I would like to share why, that even through troubles or illness, it is always “Nicer in Newtown.”

It has been a rough three years, and I would like to publicly thank four local businesses for assistance and friendship “above and beyond.”

They are the Drug Center, the Pizza Palace, Amaral Motors, and Cleancut Lawn and Landscape.

Thank you, Don Bates, and your courteous kind staff, for the help with the many changes in my medication. You have been so knowledgeable and comforted and assured me when I had questions. In the beginning, when I was so sick, you helped me with endless insurance and billing paperwork. Thank you Don and Diane. (P.S. I’m glad you don’t sell cigarettes any more, even though I was once one of your best customers.)

To Jimmy and John Antonopolis and their lovely wives, Effie and Vasi, I thank you. You have been like family – always watching out for me. You have cooked “heart healthy” meals for me and refused to serve me the “wrong stuff” even when I asked for it. You are wonderful friends, and for all the hugs and encouragement, I say Efharisto.

Danny Amaral, I can’t tell you how much it means to me, as a single woman with absolutely no knowledge of cars, to feel confidence that I can always trust your advice. You have helped me with many problems over the years, and I value your integrity and friendship. Thanks for helping me out of more than a few snow banks, too.

And finally, to a relatively new guy in town – Rance Thompson – who has taken care of my lawn and snow plowing, has run errands for me when I couldn’t get out of the house and taken care of a million other annoying little jobs, you are the best! You have been like another son to me, and you are kind and generous well beyond your years.

Newtown has been my hometown for 23 years, and I would encourage everyone who does not know these people to find out why they are so wonderful.

And again, thank you. A happy, healthy, prosperous 2001 to all.

Madalyn Henry

51 Elizabeth Circle, Newtown                                     January 22, 2001