I was delighted to read your article on Hearts and Hands volunteer Linda Watts.

Shortly after my husband and I moved to Orcas Island from Virginia six years ago, my long-time resident and ever-so-independent mom was told by her doctor that she could no longer live alone due to the onset of dementia and fragility. She moved in with us and sat reading day after day in our frontroom.

Dear Linda Watts called one day and said, “I’ve never met your mom, but I’ve heard so much about her from folks at church – might I come and visit her?”

She did. Often. And it was too wonderful watching how talented she was at drawing the past memories from Mom, who was no longer able to summon any short term memory. Linda was such a blessing and I was so grateful. I gather from your article that she is serving others now just as generously. She and the senior center staff and her luncheon tablemates there, all of whom I grew to call the “Orcas Angels” – were the bright lights in Mom’s life for the years she stayed with us, until she moved to the Vashon Community Care Center. Many thanks to all of you!

Terry Cairns

Orcas Island