On Aug. 15, I lost my father in an automobile accident. I had to return to Guilford to deal with what one deals with when they lose a parent.

In my grief I walked, set out of the front door of the house I was raised and picked a direction. Sometimes I wound up walking around Sachem’s Head and Great Harbor, sometimes I wound up on the green, heading out Whitfield to the marina and Jacobs Beach. What Guilford was in my youth is a shade or two different than today. I kept walking and started to feel my age shift sliding from older to younger and back. I relived my life while I walked. I noticed what was the same: the buildings on the green, the spaceship by the marina, that iconic red shack on Grass Island, Chaffinch Island, the beautiful areas of North Guilford, the contours of the land, and the quality of the people. This town holds some really good people.

This terrible event has brought out the best in the people of Guilford. I would like to thank those who are in service with whom I was directly involved: The Guilford Police, the Guilford Volunteer Fire Department, Guilford Interfaith Volunteers, the VNA, and the Guilford Funeral Home. They have all been top notch in their care and service. This town is lucky to have them. I would also like to thank the community for being kind, supportive, and generous.

I still love Guilford. It is good to see that the community thrives and cares for its residents. You have my gratitude.

Richard Walkden

Bristol, Vermont