PG writer captured a state’s essence

I want to thank Mike Fuoco for his Saturday Diary ("Thank You, West Virginians," April 17). He captured the sense of loss West Virginians have felt since the mining tragedy unfolded. He also captured the warmth and generosity of the people of my beloved home state.

I was particularly touched by the gestures of support and thanks made by the journalists covering the Upper Big Branch disaster. All too often, the public gleefully demonizes the press and their zeal to tell the story. We forget that they are human, which makes them, just like the rest of us, susceptible to error and sensitive to the joys and sorrows that they cover.

Thank you for sharing that side of the story with us. Please, readers, remember to pray for the families of the miners in these difficult days that they face.

REV. KEN NOLAN

Parkersburg, W.Va.