Dear Town of Brownwood,
This is a letter of deep thanks to the town. My name is Kristina, I am a wife and mother of three girls. My husband’s family comes from Brownwood. We seem to return in times of deep sorrow. We have lost his grandfather, his grandmother but most recently his cousin, our and your beloved Wesley Allan Fletcher, Jr.
Our visit was short. However, with each passing moment, I experienced the tremendous sympathy, compassion and expressions of love you have for Wes and for our families that came to mourn and rejoice his life. From anonymous hugs and words of care expressed at the wake, countless meals delivered to feed us, the public sentiments expressed in the media, I was touched and my husband was deeply moved. Coggin Avenue Baptist Church, we thank you for sharing your Sunday to feed us, to attend to our needs and aiding in every way. The funeral procession of cars, long and slow, to the site is the touchstone of Brownwood’s character. I remember even the cars on the other side of road, pulled off, stopped and waited as we passed. We wept at this sight. I still picture a lone gentleman mowing his Sunday lawn who stopped his machine, stood in attention at the edge of the street to show his respect as our cars passed. A wave of love emanating from these actions is my clearest memory of
this day.
I come from a different place and in the best way these experiences startle me. We thank you deeply for your gentle practices of love and kindness that characterizes you all. Thank you.
Respectfully yours,
Kristina H. Yu
wife of Raimund McClain
mother to Mari, Eri and Evelyn McClain-Yu
(of Albuquerque)
