Dear Editor:

In just two short weeks, several of us have had the opportunity to witness much kindness and generosity.

After finding out that my son's very best friend, Jessica Estrada, has bone cancer, I was devastated to say the least, as was my little boy, Kadyn.

This beautiful little tomboy, full of life and never sits still, will now be confined to a chair, couch or bed for who knows how long . . . and it just breaks my heart! I felt helpless, knowing that as an individual, all that I could do was to pray for her, and to help out whenever or wherever I could, and be there emotionally for the family, if they would let me.

I didn't know what to do, but felt that something had to be done. I've since learned that kindness comes in huge waves, just when it's needed!

I asked several women who I knew personally, that had no connection to this little girl whatsoever but I knew their hearts, and asked for their help in an attempt to help this family monetarily with the resources that we had.

So, we came up with a raffle. We couldn't do the raffle under our own names for legal reasons, so the folks from Central Baptist Church agreed to sponsor the raffle, and Golding Motors purchased the tickets. Keith Harris from the San Saba Golf Course was the winner of the flat screen TV which was raffled off (sponsored by Central Baptist Church).

Moral of the story is . . . with the help of these ladies (and a gentleman - sorry, Rick!), and all of the wonderful people whom I can't call by name that purchased tickets, or just donated money, we were able to purchase the entire family Sea World tickets (the place Jessica had never been but wanted to go), pay for part of the TV that was raffled (Brad and Misty Everett paid for the majority), and were still able to give the family $2376.78.

In addition to all of this kindness, Ken Lingg, a Florida resident who recently bought a place between Cherokee and San Saba, read the article about Jessica having the wish of owning 2000 Pokemon cards. Ken asked his nephew, Travis Brown, a sophomore at the University of Texas, if he would be willing to give up his personal collection of Pokemon cards. Travis was gracious enough to do that!

Ken, along with Travis' parents, David and Sandra Brown, paid Miss Jessica a visit this past weekend, bringing her over 2,000 Pokemon cards, as well as a special collection directly from Japan! Jessica was very excited, and said to tell Travis, "I will take really good care of these for him!" In addition, more than 200 cards were donated by San Saba resident, Travis Alcorn!

Like I said, I nor the family of this little girl knows everyone who had their part in this, but God knows, and we pray that He blesses everyone of you!

A big thanks to Belinda and Tina Jimenez, Sue Verette, Beth Ellis, Molly Bush, Enedena Diaz, Kimberly Snider, Dona Watson, Vicky Eden, Betty Sue Hardy, Madeleine Reynolds, Maria Pryor, Laura Ramirez, Amanda Skaggs, and Sandra and Rick Baskin!

Sincerely,

Jennifer Saiz

Dear Editor:

Last Monday morning, July 7, 2008, the families and relatives of the San Saba Nursing Home residents were invited to a general meeting for the announcement of the closing of the present San Saba Nursing Home, effective August 15, 2008.

As a member of this group, it is hard to explain the shock and surprise that came to each of us assembled. We had to find shelter, nursing care, medical supervision, and security for our loved ones who no longer can live alone. To the credit of the San Saba Nursing Home Administration and staff, professional advisors were on hand to offer assistance and help to make the transaction of leaving the present facility (of which many have been residents for years) an easy one.

Of course, we were anxious to stay close to home and were advised that our neighboring care facility, Eventide Nursing Home, had available beds and would work with families interested in relocating to Eventide. Within the hour, many of us swarmed on the administrative staff at Eventide. They were kind, gracious, and helpful and were able to help several families. Dina Diaz, Eventide's Administrator, and her staff are to be commended for working with the families of the residents from San Saba Nursing Home.

As a former public school teacher, I compare the closing of San Saba Nursing Home to that of closing of a public school. It hurts! It is not only hard on the residents (or students) but it is hard on the wonderful people - the caregivers (or faculty and staff) who have taken care of our residents, loved them, and made the family of the loved one (residents or students) feel that they were important and their care was also of utmost importance.

To each and every person that has had a part in serving the needs of the residents of San Saba Nursing Home, I wish to say "Thank You!" Your love and care for our family members was most appreciated. Whatever your job description might have been, you each were valuable to a group of residents who no longer could care for themselves. I trust that you will be able to continue to be of service to our community and find meaningful employment.

God bless each of you!

Sincerely -

Marilynn Johanson