A small town with a big heart

To the editor:
    Saturday night, I attended a community harvest supper to benefit Sean Daniels. A junior at Easton High School, Sean was gravely injured recently in a farm accident. Soon after Sean’s accident, Easton community members quickly decided to turn the annual event into one of charity for Sean and his family.     This is what we do in America when a member of our community is in need. We look at each and ask, “What can we do to help?” and then we set upon doing it. We gather, we give, and we show that we care. Our small towns are particularly good at it.
    At the supper, most of the conversations consisted of the usual topics, but they always got around to Sean and how we could help him return to us. Many people commented on how strong Sean is and that he will come out of it fine. He will. Some wondered what role he would play on the varsity basketball team instead of being a starter this year. Whatever role he plays will be important and influential.
    At the end of the evening, those of us who stayed to clean up took measure of the amount of money collected. I was astounded, and then embarrassed at being surprised. I should assume by now that Easton would exceed expectations when it comes to things like this. The money, added to all the good will that waits for Sean when he returns home will help him as he travels his journey to recovery.
    I love America and being an American, but at times like these, I love it even more and my favorite part of America is a place called Easton, Maine.
Randy Bacon
Easton