A year has passed since my return to Orcas Island following a fairly heinous medical adventure. It was good to be home, and it is better to feel alive here.

Thanks to the moral, physical and spiritual support of so many people in the islands I am up and about and feeling a little sassy.

There are too many to thank by name, but I hope I was gracious enough in person that you know your kindness and support was and is wildly appreciated.

I am lucky to have such incredible neighbors: Howard Barbour and Sheila Gaquin who held down the fort so that Michael Durland could be my advocate.  Had Michael not been there, I would not be here. You are literally lifesavers (as is he).

Thanks to the goatherds and dog sitters, Nat, Marc Broman, Don Irwin, Errol and Kathleen Speed, the Bassets and, of course, the Bar-quins. Tom and Jeri  thrived in your care and Mira is lucky that you all are dog lovers.

Thanks to Pam Smith for organizing meals-on-wheels Deer Harbor Style, and all those who participated – and there were many.  I am certain my recovery is due to the wonderful foods you all delivered and produce from  the Orcas Island Farmers. Nothing can beat that island-grown freshness and home cooking. I was astonished by the generosity and the sheer brilliance of the meals. They all tasted so wonderful! I know that most of you who came with your lovely dishes and friendly conversations are not vegetarians, and I can’t thank you enough for your efforts. I haven’t the words to tell you what it means to live in such a giving community.

Dr. Russell and Orcas Physical Therapy have both been very supportive in monitoring and improving my health and strength.

I received support in many forms, from many directions, by so many people, it’s a bit awe-inspiring. It is rather like standing next to a flowering tree in a breeze as its aroma saturates the air and the petals shower over you.

So to reiterate, thank you all: friends, neighbors, customers and clients of the Boatworks and PurRain, acquaintances, friends of friends, and random persons who happened to hear. Thank you for all your cards, letters, gifts, well-wishes, support, concern, interest, thoughts, prayers, meditations, hugs, smiles, laughter, food, produce, flowers, patience, kindness, consideration and … hope.

It’s you who make these islands not just a pretty place to live, but lovely.

Kat Fennell

Deer Harbor