I want to thank Deb Erdley for the article about Dolly and John Regoli’s heartfelt experience with Joe Biden (“New Kensington family recalls Biden sharing their grief, comforting a mother who lost son to brain cancer,” Jan. 20, TribLIVE). They are my wife’s aunt and uncle.

The suffering that family has experienced is unspeakable, yet they remain kind, generous and even optimistic souls. Some might say offering comfort to them in the throes of their pain is a natural reaction. But I can say from experience it is also intimidating; even those with the best intentions can find themselves lost for words, offering up platitudes like so many empty pockets.

What Biden said to them was special because he wanted to help and he knew how. He was willing to show his own vulnerability and share insight into his loss. From that moment, John and Dolly were less alone in their grief. Biden knew what to say. It takes understanding, and empathy, and a willingness to stand in that agonizing void for a moment to do that.

I hope these are qualities that make him a great president.

I know that sharing their story has not always been easy, since some folks in their community have harsh feelings toward Biden. You captured their story so well that I have to believe it may thaw some hearts.

You did what Biden did. You took the time, you listened and you found not just words to say, but the right words. The words that mattered.

Anthony Breznican

Los Angeles, Calif.

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