Letter to the Editor -- Larry and Melissa Sweet
The passing of Peter Biehl represents a huge loss, not only to his
family and our local community but to humanity as a whole (“Father of Amy
Biehl remembered for his caring,” Tuesday). Our family is devastated at
hearing this news, and our thoughts and prayers are with the Biehl
family.
We had crossed paths with the Biehls in the past as part of teams
volunteering at Newport Harbor High School. When we lost our son, Brian,
in August, Peter and Linda Biehl learned of his death from our dear
friend, then reached out to us in such a loving way. They wanted to lend
support and share strategies for coping with the loss of a child. We have
been utterly inspired by their example, as the rest of the world has
been.
Out of our lunches and meetings with them came the opportunity of a
lifetime for our oldest son, Jamie. Upon hearing that he earned a
bachelor’s degree in theater arts and was active in local theater, Peter
and Linda looked at each other excitedly and told us they’d been
searching for someone to start a theater outreach program for their
foundation. Jamie mentioned his volunteer work with a children’s theater
group in Long Beach and that cemented the deal -- he was offered the
position and moved to Cape Town in January.
We hear from Jamie about that other view of Peter and Linda, the South
African view. There, they are revered by the entire nation -- from Nelson
Mandela and Desmond Tutu to the people of South Africa to their Amy Biehl
Foundation staff, they are much beloved. In our country and around the
world, they have long been in great demand as inspirational speakers and
advocates for South Africa. Many in our community know them, too, and
appreciate all their volunteer hours spent to enrich our schools and
cities.
Any parents who can raise four such outstanding children deserve our
thanks and admiration as well. And our family cannot express how deeply
touched we have been by their kindness and dear concern.
We’ve heard Peter say that Linda was at least 60% of their foundation
partnership. As devastating as his passing must be for Linda, I know her
to be a strong, able businesswoman and leader who walks with aplomb in
many circles. Without missing a step, she goes from the shantytowns of
Cape Town to press conferences to diplomatic dinners to foundation staff
meetings to auditoriums filled with listeners eager to hear her words.
While Peter’s presence can never be replaced, there is no question
that the foundation so dear to his heart remains strong and poised to
help transform South Africa, one life at a time.
For more on the foundation, go to o7 www.amybiehl.orgf7 .
LARRY and MELISSA SWEET
Costa Mesa
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