Dear editor:

Don Harger is in heaven. I’m writing this at 3 a.m., unable to sleep, remembering with gratitude all the local eating establishments that so patiently and lovingly cared for our father in the last few years of his life.

Pete’s Patio was his second home, and they would send him home with a box of their delicious fresh bread. After he died Feb. 14 at the age of 96, they had on their marquee, “God Bless U Don.”

If you accompanied him for a sandwich at the Old Tavern Inn, the waiter would say, “He lives reubens or cheeseburgers.”

He went to The Nuggett on Monday evenings and the waitresses knew he was there for the special of the day — a burrito! The last time I was there with him the waiter said, “We take care of our regulars.”

The first person to come into the door of the church for visitation was Luci from the Eagles, saying how sweet Dad was and how much they cared for him. The card signed by all the waitresses said, “He always ordered half a meal, but a whole dessert to take home.”

Home Plate was another favorite spot. He didn’t venture out to drive too far on South 11th Street, but when my husband and I would take him to Wings, they would brew a fresh cup of coffee.

The Prime Table was another favorite restaurant that welcomed us, and the Giannakakis family sent a sympathy card.

All of these restaurants couldn’t have been more kind to him, and our entire family is thankful. I guess this is what happens when you live in a small town — one as special as Niles!

Dad fell on his screened porch coming home from dinner Monday night, Feb. 13, and he couldn’t get up. He had a Lifeline alarm on his wrist and he pushed the button. The family was notified immediately, and he was in the hospital very quickly that evening. He died the next day. God called him home.

Luann Hargreaves

Niles