LETTERS: COURTESIES, HELP ARE APPRECIATED

To the editor:

During this season of spring, representative of renewal and hope, I want to write a few lines to thank all of you. It is with the heaviest of hearts that my family and I bid you good-bye. After five and a half years of my life here in Southeast Missouri, I have resigned to follow up occupation back to St. Louis.

Why the "thank you?" For the kindness you've bestowed on us, the courtesies that are legendary of country folk. The outstanding work ethic I've witnessed, from the oldest to the youngest. The always on-display smiles around town, the assistance in times of need, the neighbors, the lush farmlands, the fabulous schools, the ability to make acquaintances easily.

As I prepare to move back to an area I'm familiar with, I must take counsel of my surroundings; to an area where eye contact is shunned, smiles are far less frequent, where honking horns and traffic snarls are commonplace.

Maybe this letter is beginning to resemble a Norman Rockwell painting, but it's meant to be. I want all of you to understand what a special gift you have here. The gift is in your natural beauty, good, kind folks and neighbors, and a sense of community which embraced us and made us feel a part of it. Please never forget the treasures you have here, for I never shall. It meant so much to me and always will. I love this area, and always will remember most fondly my years here. May God bless you all, and sincere thanks for a great ride.

Karl A. Karleskint and family

Jackson