THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, October 11, 1996 TAG: 9610110766
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 7 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letters
LENGTH: 73 lines
On Sept. 29, about 6:30 p.m. on Lynnhaven Parkway, our family of five became victims of a hit-and-run drunken driver. The impact caused a three-car collision with injuries.
Numerous strangers came to our aid immediately. We are deeply touched by all of their unselfish acts of concern and kindness.
Holly Grimes, Aurora Tejada and Randy Grolemund Jr. combined their efforts, risked their own safety, to chase down the driver and obtain a license tag number. They remained with us throughout the entire accident-reporting process and gave police important information that we could not have done.
Wayne Campbell, an off-duty firefighter, stopped to assist. He observed how visibly shaken we were, and stayed by our side to calm us until paramedics arrived. His presence was invaluable. Thank you, Wayne.
Jeanie, a taxicab driver, also took time to stop and help. She directed traffic (on Lynnhaven Parkway!) away from the glass and debris until the police department arrived.
Our family learned a valuable lesson that night. Honest and caring people far outweigh the unscrupulous individuals who cause hurt and pain. Thank you again to all of you.
The White Family
Kathy, Mike, Elizabeth,
Josh and Vanessa
Oct. 4 Not all animals blessed
Is it just me, or is major hypocrisy being practiced at St. Francis Episcopal Church (``Police Horses to Participate in Special Blessing of Animals,'' Oct. 4 Beacon)?
The article describes a wonderful tradition of blessing animals brought to the church in honor of St. Francis' love and compassion for animals. One attendant is quoted as saying, ``I feel that there is a God up above and he does love all animals as well as human beings.'' So far, I'm in complete agreement and am thinking about attending with a sweet beagle.
At the end comes the shocker: ``The church's men's group will be grilling hot dogs and hamburgers and serving drinks!'' There's no indication those are tofu dogs and veggie burgers.
Although this type of deliberate blindness is practiced by many - i.e, pamper cute cats and dogs, but hang cows upside-down by one foot and slit their throats so we can barbecue them and eat their flesh - it was surprising to see such a blatant example in an article about compassion.
Why can't we show compassion for all animals? I plan to attend the blessing with some stuffed animals - a pig, a chicken and a cow - to symbolize the billions of animals whose entire lives are hell on Earth.
Bobbi A. Hoffman
Oct. 4
Our `kings' don't rule sea
Of all the civilian and military personnel in Tidewater, it seems they could find a qualified ``King Neptune.''
If they continue this blatant, shameful, blasphemous disregard and disrespect for the mighty ``Davy Jones'' and ``Neptunis Rex,'' who just happen to be the sovereign ruler of the raging main, I cannot say enough to put fear in their hearts.
I feel sorry, really sorry, for all the landlubbers and pollywogs who are stupid enough, and have the audacity to think they can worm their way into the solemn mysteries of the ancient order of the deep, without crossing the equator.
D.H. Ringer
(USN Ret.)
Oct. 1 by CNB