On Oct. 9, 2009 we had the worst experience of our lives, our son died unexpectedly, suddenly and for no apparent reason. There is no way to make it OK, no way to ease the pain.

On the night of that Oct. 9 we received a phone call from our County Coroner, Dr. Robert Bishop, with the cause of our son’s death. Dr. Bishop did not just do his job; he did it in a timely manner.

I have since connected with other parents that have suffered the loss of a child, most from other places. In their stories is very often a horrible experience with coroners or medical examiners. I found that we were one of a few treated with respect and compassion, something that is very important during a horrific loss.

In March of 2010 my daughter-in-law and I took my granddaughter to be tested for the disease that killed our son. The pediatric cardiologist said that the only way to know for sure was genetic testing; we would need my son’s DNA. I called Dr. Bishop who knew right away what was needed and why. Dr. Bishop had kept the DNA.

We have a coroner who understands every aspect of a difficult job. Please, for the next family in the midst of tragedy, keep Dr. Bishop as our Coroner.

Pamela and Clyde McCarty

Coupeville