In the last year since our son’s death, we have received continuous and unwavering support from the island community.

The outpouring of empathy, encouragement and understanding has been monumental in our family’s recovery as we have sought to find peace in the wake of a preventable tragedy.

We are grateful to all who have approached us with their support and we are indebted to the island residents, friends and neighbors for their endless compassion.

Our son is not the only person with a mental illness or disability that has lived on Bainbridge. Each day we pray and hope for the safety of the mentally ill and the island families that uplift them and surround them with love.

Bainbridge should be and simply must be a safe place for all.

Bill and Joyce Ostling

Bainbridge Island