Every week I open the Lake Placid News first to Martha Sez. Ms. Allen writes with such warmth, intelligence and humor, often sarcastic. I can relate to so much of what she observes.

But her July 16 column, “A shadowy presence,” was one that motivated me to make the effort to finally share my appreciation for her contributions. Perhaps because (I am guessing) we are a similar age, it truly resonated with me — integrating both her past, and her present, into “she was every age until she died” and recognizing the simple ways in which we all enrich each other’s lives, often without knowing or trying, was both lyrical and philosophical.

You have a real gem in Ms. Allen. And thank you, Ms. Allen, for enriching my life every week.

Barbara Franklin

Saranac Lake