Letters: Bellefonte proud; Give Fetterman space, understanding
Bellefonte proud
I was not born in Bellefonte, I was not raised in Bellefonte, I did not attend school in Bellefonte, but I married a Bellefonte boy. Our children and the majority of our grandchildren attend(ed) the Bellefonte Area High School.
On Saturday, our granddaughter’s high school swim team won the District 6 AA title with an undefeated season. I made one phone call to Gary Lohr, Borough Department Chief of Bellefonte, and asked for a firetruck or two to escort the school bus back to the Bellefonte High School.
To my delight, there were firetrucks from both Bellefonte fire companies along with Pleasant Gap and Walker Township filled with firefighters, emergency vehicles, and police (Spring and Bellefonte) waiting at Rutter’s. I thanked the individuals taking time out of their day to celebrate these kids! The Bellefonte Swim Team has done this all, without a pool or even access to a local pool to practice and hold their meets!
Thank you to all who participated, you make me very proud to live in such a wonderful community. I am Bellefonte proud!
Give Fetterman space, understanding
More than 8% of Americans suffer from a major depressive disorder.
Productive people we admire have sought treatment for depression: Bruce Springsteen, Kristen Bell and Michael Phelps, to name a few. Politicians, including Representative Seth Moulton (D-MA), and Senator Tina Smith (D-MN), have spoken openly about their battles with depression. Some of the world’s greatest leaders and most revered or accomplished public figures — Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Winston Churchill, Princess Diana, Charles Dickens and Beethoven, to name a few — suffered from periods of profound depression.
In short, depression affects extraordinary as well as ordinary people from all walks of life and backgrounds.
Anyone who suffers from depression is painfully aware of how difficult it can be to seek help.
Senator John Fetterman’s recent hospitalization for depression prompted public support from some, and backlash from others. Although we’ve made progress, depression is still seen by many as a sign of weakness and disclosing mental health struggles remains challenging, especially in politics.
Fetterman’s depression doesn’t prevent him from being a thoughtful, pragmatic and empathetic Senator — and his struggles will help him to better understand and represent all Pennsylvanians, many of whom deal with challenging obstacles every day.
With professional help, medication and rest, Senator Fetterman will likely be able to resume his Senate duties soon. Let’s give Senator Fetterman, a decent, humble and courageous leader, and the more than 21 million Americans suffering from depression, the space and understanding they need.