Letters to the Editor: 08.21.97

Life Saved

Amagansett

August 14, 1997

Dear Helen Rattray,

The following is a public expression of gratitude to the Amagansett Volunteer Ambulance Squad and especially to Htun Han for the assistance given following an accident I had while body surfing at Indian Wells Beach. This experience also leads me to provide a note of caution regarding body surfing.

The accident occurred on a sizzling July day. I had biked to the ocean to cool off and, to my delight, found an active surf left over from Hurricane Danny. I plunged in, had three good rides into shore, and was positioning myself for another. When a large wave welled up, I went for it. A slight miscalculation on my part led to no slight consequences.

The wave heaved me up and dashed me down to the bottom head first. The force of the impact left me disoriented. When I finally emerged from the churning water, I felt I had done some serious harm to myself. Somehow, I was able to stagger up to my bike and pedal the few blocks to home with my head in a frozen forward-only position. As I washed off in the outdoor shower, I became aware that something was really not right, and that I might have injured myself more seriously than I had suspected.

I called Mr. Han, a partner in Garnham and Han Real Estate, because I knew he was an active member of the Amagansett Volunteer Ambulance Squad. Upon hearing me relate my experience, he told me not to move, that he would be over in two minutes. He arrived with his "tool kit" and immediately retrieved a collar to limit my head movement and called an ambulance.

In the ambulance on the way to Southampton Hospital were Bill Lusty and Peter Garnham, also volunteers of the ambulance corps. This volunteer job represents a huge commitment. In 1996, by the midyear time of my accident, they had already made approximately 145 ambulance trips - rather disruptive to their business schedules, but they do it. In addition, and above and beyond the call of duty, Mr. Han picked up my daughter in East Hampton and drove her to the hospital, and, later, Mr. Lusty drove back to our house and locked it up for us. Since that time, both of these men have made calls and visits and offered assistance of whatever kind was needed.

At Southampton Hospital, after my many X-rays and scans were examined, two fractures were spotted in the C-1 vertebrae, the one directly below the brain. I was then quickly helicoptered to the University Medical Center at Stony Brook, where more neurological expertise was available to help me. The final result is that I am wearing a "halo," a large apparatus encircling my head and supported by metal rods attached to a rigid vest with a sheepskin liner (pretty lousy summer attire), and I will be so clad for 12 weeks or more. It's not fun, not my style at all, but I have been told by many in the medical profession that I'm very lucky to be here; most people incurring this injury are killed instantly.

Even now, in my encumbered and sometimes painful state, the ocean still beckons me. I long to swim and play in the ocean, but I now know that body surfing is too dangerous a sport. I have gained new respect for the ocean; it does not forgive a little mistake. Against its power, even youth and fitness are of little consequence.

The fact that I'm still here and functioning remarkably well I feel is due in large part to the fast, expert, and cautious efforts of Mr. Han. He essentially saved my life. I, in particular, and we, as residents and vacationers in the Amagansett area, are so lucky to have people like Htun Han and the other dedicated members of the ambulance corps here for us. I have long loved Amagansett for its beauty and charm, the water and all the fun activities and adventures to be enjoyed; more recently I have come to love Amagansett for the wonderful people that make up the backbone of this community. I thank them.

BILL THORSON

Lack Of Housing

Shoreham

August 15, 1997

To The Editor:

I am astounded by the response to the ad I placed in your paper, which appeared only yesterday. The ad simply read "Montauk - two-bedroom house $800" (under the year-round section). Within a 12-hour period, there were 36 responses. Of the 22 persons who came to see it today, many expressed apprehension at renting a home with electric heat. All but four wanted it nonetheless.

Many went so far as to offer to make repairs at their own expense; one even offered to entirely renovate the bathroom with a bathtub in place of the existing shower!

As is, the home is comfortable, in a nice, quiet area, but it isn't particularly a "great" bargain considering the old windows and heating source. This really says a lot about the lack of year-round housing in the area. I'm really shocked by it.

MARIANNE BLYTON

Gave Meaning To Life

Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

August 10, 1997

To The Editor:

I accessed The Star's web site hoping to find an obituary, but found none.

The obituary that I was seeking was for my very beloved Jonathan Spanierman. I know that no matter what it contained it could not have adequately described his smile, nor how it lit my heart, infused sunshine into my soul, and displayed his mature innocence. I hope that it mentioned his love for others and his ability to make one feel "worthwhile." Jon gave meaning to my life, and in his name, many, many people were helped to have a better, more meaningful life.

These past few years, Jonathan may have appeared weak, yet he had the courage of a warrior and strength to belie the entire medical community's woesome forecasts while continuing to give love and understanding to those privileged to be a part of his struggle.

Jonathan was a golden boy, too beautiful inside and out for description or comparison. Jonathan was a musician! I have been honored to know and to love him as a boy and then as a man.

As a boy, he honored me; and when he became a man, I learned to honor him. With some deaths, I grieve for the one who is gone; with Jonathan's death, I grieve for myself, his family, and his friends.

Thanks Jon, I love you very much. (Sorry, I just needed someone to talk to.)

Sincerely,

GRETCHEN L. HASSELKUS

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