The Comet welcomes letters to the editor responding to articles and events in the news. They must include the author’s name, address and telephone number. The letter writer’s name and city/town will appear in the paper - no exceptions. Letters must be 400 words or less in length. Please send your letters to: editor@carrollcountycomet.com; Letters to the Editor, Comet, P.O. Box 26, Flora, IN 46929 or P.O. Box 179, Delphi, IN 46923; or fax 574-967-3384 or 765-564-2010. By submitting a letter or opinion article, the author grants the Comet the right to publish, distribute, archive or use the work in print, electronic, on-line or other format.

In this special season I am so thankful to learn (Comet Nov. 18 issue) that a third ambulance is to be available in Carroll County.

In September of 2006 my husband, Jean B. Smith, suffered cardiac arrest. Our daughter was with us and while I phoned 911, she began CPR. Within minutes I heard the sirens from the EMS ambulance stationed at the west edge of Flora. We lived on the east side of town.

Thankfully the skilled personnel took over and were soon transporting him to a hospital in Lafayette. Several times they had to shock his heart back into rhythm.

After a couple of weeks he was able to work his “Star” crossword puzzle and converse on complicated issues.

None of this would have been possible if the EMS ambulance had to drive from Delphi or Burlington as it does now. Please bring the new ambulance to the Flora area. We need it!

Elaine Smith,

Flora, daughters, grandchildren

& great-grandchildren

In honor of Adam

On Dec. 6, 1983, Adam Joel Levon entered our family, and this world. From the moment of his birth Adam brought immense joy, love and kindness to all around him. He made a difference to not only our family, but to friends, school, community and co-workers and he did so every moment of his life.

Adam knew no strangers, no work was beneath him and no dream above him. An honorable young man, he was humble in heart, hard working, devoted, kind, caring, compassionate, passionate, witty, wise and beautiful in heart, mind, body and soul. Adam accomplished more in his short life than many of us can even hope to.

While Adam was extraordinary in so many ways, we greatly admire the goodness that he shared with people of all ages, races, faiths and nationalities. So often we saw Adam deep in conversation with one of his “older” friends. He drew wisdom from them and carried their stories in his heart, keeping their history alive. Then there were the “younger” friends, those he always had time and a large smile for. For his peers there was always support and encouragement, friendship and of course, fun.

Neighbors knew of his enthusiasm when it came to lending a hand. Adam was involved in many school and civic organizations as well. He was seldom idle yet maintained a balance in his life that is to be envied. Never one to care about being number one or in the spotlight, he nevertheless often found himself in leadership positions. As his sister Whitney says, Adam was the epitome of what a young man should be.

On July 4, 2003, Adam was the victim of a brutal homicide at the hands of a drunk driver. He was just 19 and had a lifetime of good yet to do. Adam lost his life, the joy of marrying, the lives of his children and grandchildren, his university degree and career as a mechanical engineer. Adam lost all that the future held for him. Our family was shattered, his friends broken hearted, and the world became a sadder place.

Dec. 6, 2009, would have been Adam’s 26th birthday. In honor of Adam’s birthday we ask that his love and kindness be carried on by others. Please remember Adam by passing along a random act of kindness. Take the time to read to a child, to listen to an elderly neighbor, hold the door for someone, or just smile at those you pass along the way. Adam embodied the Christmas Spirit every day of his life by giving of himself to others. His is a legacy worth sharing.

The Levon family, Joel, Katie, Whitney & Ian,

Deer Creek