Letter: Seeking forgiveness

Published 6:15 am Thursday, September 28, 2023

To the Editor:

Good day to all who cast their eyes upon these words.

My name is James Stechcon, and this is as unusual for me to write as it may be for you to read, but despite the further embarrassment this could very well cause me, I felt that risk was a better choice than not presenting this missive to the community.

Widowed by cancer, I was invited to travel with one who knew a business owner here, but they having COVID disallowed the reunion. Meeting an old friend here, my escort bequeathed me a truck and abandoned me here, choosing to return to Portland with the “old friend.”

Three years have now passed. So many of the community have I directly conversed with now, either briefly or at length — perhaps 200 even — as is my nature, the vast majority of chats humble and pleasant: “vast majority,” I say. Because, although cordial nearly to a fault, I have demonstrated lack of maturity and/or sensibility on four occasions now, compelling me to draft this public apology.

I am ashamed, you see, and apologetic to all, either specifically or generally, for my lack of recognizing times for — and exercising — the maturity and self-control rightfully expectable of a member of this community.

The incidents were by no means grievous, but my responses very much were. My lack of consideration in each circumstance exacerbated, rather than minimized, the end results. Each of those times I have grieved through my “circumstantial ineptitude,” for which I request consideration, and forgiveness.

I can only assure all that my clean, sober, genuine quest for maturity and self-improvement continues, albeit a bit more attentively now. Amen.

James Stechcon

John Day