I hope I can finally get this letter written to all of the fine and wonderful people who helped my wife, Betty Sine, before and after her death. Betty died on April 14 and my son, Kevin Kierstead, died on April 13. Some people said it would get better, but I’m far from it right now.

I want to thank the Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad for being there for my wife. These folks have to do their work for nothing. They treated my wife as a family member. I think of them every day. May God be with them and my love will be with them always.

Many a time the Mathews Rescue Squad has taken my wife to the Riverside Walter Reed Hospital ER. She was so close to death so many times. The doctors and nurses were right there, giving help and understanding to both of us.

She was taken to ICU two times. I spent every day and night with my wife. When she needed help, she got it right away. She loved everyone there. She told me she was dying two months before, but she fought to the last. Every care ...