I was born and raised in Seward, but have lived in Colorado for the past 13 years. My wife and I have owned a cabin at the head of Kachemak Bay for almost 20 years. Since my retirement, I spend at least three months at the cabin every year.

This past year I had major back surgery, which cost approximately $200,000. I had insurance which covered some, but not all, which put me in a financial bind.

We have a boat stored at Homer Boat Yard (Mike and Jean Stockburger). I wrote them a letter and explained my financial situation due to the surgery and asked them if I could reduce my payment for a couple of months. They responded by suspending my monthly payment for those months.

I would like to publicly thank both Mike and Jean for their generosity and their true Alaska spirit. They did not have to suspend the payments, but even as business owners trying to make a living, they put my considerations first, above their own. It is truly heartening to see that there are still people in Alaska and the world that are willing to put their own interests secondary.

Thanks again, Mike and Jean, for your generosity and caring attitude.

Michael Blair

New Castle, Colo.