To the editor:

The two simple words “thank you” feel inadequate to describe our deep appreciation for the continued community support surrounding our son’s death. We are truly blessed to be members of a community that are supportive of others during times of need, and are proud to be a part of a community that believes in turning tragedy into beneficial change for the public good.

Thank you to the members of the community that came to the trial to educate yourselves and to better understand the issues at hand. Thank you to each and every one of you who has extended your well wishes, thoughts and prayers to us. Thank you especially to our neighbors, who have been with us every step of the way. Thank you also to our extended family members and close friends who stood by our side during the darkest of days. Your support strengthens us.

Additionally, thank you to the members of the Island Church and Grace Episcopal Church communities, who provided us with comforting food, flowers and their presence. You lived your faith in your outreach to us.

Thank you to John Freeburg, for his ongoing campaign for proper CIT and mental health training of law enforcement personnel as past president of NAMI Kitsap and as a private individual. Thank you also for reaching out to us as a representative from the NAMI community and for your personal support.

Thank you also to Morgan Smith for the public apology regarding our son’s death. We appreciate your recognition of and compassion for our tragic loss. We look forward to positive changes by the city and city council to ensure that a tragic death, such as our son’s, does not happen again on Bainbridge.

BILL AND JOYCE OSTLING

Bainbridge Island