Editor,

John and Mary Johnsen lived up Oxford Mine Road from 1997 until 2013. One thing they learned early on was that some people hadn’t talked with each other for years since one or the other might have “voted the wrong way” or some such. But, if hardship befell someone, they opened their wallets at a fundraiser at the Community Hall, sitting alongside each other united in providing help. Downieville and Sierra County are special!

“It” has been deep here for me in Fairfield this past month, so when there was a loud thump on the front door yesterday afternoon, Penny (my dachshund from Jake Zunoco) and I discovered a Downieville helping gift in a vase of beautiful flowers. The card read: “We hope you’re doing well. Our thoughts and prayers are with you! — The MM”.

I had hoped to be in Downieville to hug the Jordan Family on the 12th, but my son David died here two weeks ago so… David loved Don Russell and Irene, loved strumming his guitar along with Cecelia, Brandt, Pete, and John (drums) – The Yuba Dogs, and of course the St. Charles.

Dave’s brother Erik lives near me here close to his work as the test pilot on the C-5 simulators at Travis AFB with Erik now shouldering Dave’s affairs. Erik though spent Tuesday and Wednesday undergoing tests at our local hospital for a cardiac event with us by his bed. Actually Penny was on his bed quite a bit as she is a therapy dog at the hospital. “No heart attack, but see the cardiologist next week”. Whew!

I do hope to be at the bell tower on Veteran’s Day, November 11th, a very special day for the Johnsen family. John Wm. Johnsen, Lance Corporal, USMC 1958-1984. John L. Johnsen, LTC, USA (ret) 1933-2013. Jacob Wm. Johnsen, USMA 2009, and Erik, still serving after 26 years in AF uniform. My dad was Coast Guard and Navy and my brother Army. With the Mess having put up with me for some 27 years now, my real home is there with the memory still alive of the ceremony at the tower where John rang the bell for his fellow vets and where our sons, Jim, David, and Erik celebrated their dad with me and several of his USMA West Point classmates in 2013.

I love you – and thanks!

Mary P Johnsen

Fairfield