To the Editor:
While reading the riveting article about fellow Westporter Lucia Palmieri (See WestportNow Jan. 30, 2010), I unexpectedly found myself crying.
I sat breathless as I read how Ms. Palmieri heroically pulled off the Hutch to follow an SUV which had just veered off the Parkway over a steep embankment and into a half-frozen pond.
I felt an immense pride for Ms. Palmieri (even though I do not know her personally) and an equally appalling disgust for the other samaritans’ dismissive actions. I know it must have been the thought of children possibly being in the car that decided her selfless response.
As a mother of three, I know what that lioness feeling is like. You lose mind of yourself and just do. I was also caught up by the familiar Westport name—Palmieri.
I remember when my husband and I moved to Westport 20 years ago. One of the first people we met was “Grandma” Palmieri at Palmieri Nursery
I remember her sitting outside, advising us on various plants we were purchasing (as we were landscaping our new house and beginning our new lives with our first baby in tow).
Mrs. Palmieri Sr. struck us as the warmest and most endearing woman. She told us she thought our baby’s name (Michael) was a bee-utiful name and we immediately warmed to her accent and smile.
It wasn’t lost on me as I read this article of another Palmieri being a guardian angel for a total stranger while endangering herself. With winter in full swing and the “blues” always hovering, I suddenly felt hopeful again. I love our community and every once in a while I’m reminded why.
Diane Unger-Yormark
Westport
Thank you Ms Unger-Yormark for taking the time to write such a heartfelt letter in recognition of my daughters’ brave actions. Also for sharing with us your fond memoriesy of my mother-in-law, we all thought of her as a Saint. I guess the old saying is true “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree”.