THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, January 25, 1996 TAG: 9601230083
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Medium: 79 lines
On Jan. 4, my dear friend Lindsey Bradish was killed in a fiery car crash on the Virginia Beach expressway.
Her tragic death has been a nightmare for all those who loved her.
Trooper Houston of the Virginia State Police told me that immediately after the crash several people stopped and tried to pull Lindsey from the burning car. They were held back by the intensity of the flames.
To all those who tried, I give my thanks. You put yourself in danger trying to save a stranger. I will always be eternally grateful and all of us who loved Lindsey will never forget that you tried. We know that you, too, carry memories of that morning that will follow you the rest of your lives.
To the fire and rescue personnel who arrived at the scene, I give my thanks and admiration. You are out there every day, unquestionably doing your job. We know it is not easy. The Virginia State Police set up a telex with Interpol to notify Lindsey's family in England.
Everyone I spoke to at the State Police office offered their help and compassion. Thank you.
Her friends and co-workers at the U.S. Postal Service raised close to $1,000 toward funeral expenses and carried her coffin to its final resting place. Your love and affection sustain us. Lindsey had good friends because she was a good friend. She will be missed.
Christina Birdsong
Connecticut Avenue `Phantom' a winner for all
As other readers have commented, ``The Phantom of the Opera'' performances have had a dramatic effect on our business. This event, and others like it at the Harrison Opera House, Scope, Chrysler Hall and Wells Theater, create tremendous ``spin-off'' business for downtown and substantial tax revenue, such as food tax, for the city.
The city staff that arranged for the ``Phantom'' is to be congratulated, and we thank them for their hard work. The revenues to the city, when fully tallied, should prove that their hard work and the city's commitment to this and other events was justified.
Ruth Tavss
President and general manager
La Galleria Ristorante Samaritan to the rescue
In December, I was shopping in a Norfolk grocery store when I slipped on something that had been spilled on the floor and had a bad fall, which broke my leg.
As I lay on the floor moaning in pain, not able to get up, another shopper, a young gentleman, came to my aid. He lifted me so gently and carefully that I felt secure and safe in his arms. He held me until a chair was brought and then let me down slowly and carefully.
In my confusion and pain, I failed to get a good look at his face but I shall never forget the red jacket he had on, or his apparent concern for a human being in trouble. I wish I could thank him. Perhaps he will read this letter and recognize himself and know that I really am grateful for his assistance to me that day.
Shirley Campbell
Colony Point Road Patient is forever grateful
During the past year I underwent reconstructive eyelid surgery by Dr. James Carraway at the Eastern Virginia Medical School.
After being rejected by several plastic surgeons throughout North America advising me they were unable to help, I finally found Dr. Carraway, whose exceptionally skilled hands that God has given him not only restored the beauty to my eyes but, more importantly, gave me back my life.
Virginia, you should be truly proud to have such a knowledgeable and compassionate gentleman within your medical community.
Betty Benson
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada by CNB