Hello Tofino. November 30, 2012, marked a very black day for my family and I.
Through the shell shocked days that followed, we were continually amazed and
buoyed by the community support. I have never publicly thanked you and I feel
bad about that. While I don't know that this is the most appropriate site to
say my thanks, it was this site that my family went to, to see the voices of the
community, and to dig me out of the hole I was tending to crawl in to. Thank
you Ralph, and thank you friends.
My son attended the council meeting where
you turned out in huge numbers. The rest of our family stole a car (borrowed)
and did a drive by. My girlfriends were there... We all regrouped after at the
usual place we go to in times of crisis, and while my family was elated, I was
in tears, so grateful and humbled by the support. This community served me and
my family well, and we have done our best to pay it back. I am a better person
for having lived there and having gone through the experiences I have had. I am
especially grateful for the people I have connected with that I may not have
without my job connections. Thank you!
I write this now, as I will forever
remember November 30 as a day when your world can just fall apart, through no
doing of your own. It is a reminder to not take things for granted, and to be
grateful for what you have. Sounds cliche, yes, but lying on the couch the
Saturday following, with the family, with total lock down on phones and
internet, in breeze the girls, Wicked Witches of Eastwick style on their
broomsticks, and man was I grateful for them! And of course my lovely family,
who maybe took it harder than me. My family, my girlfriends, strong backbone
support.. And then we felt the community voice. We heard you and felt you. We
are grateful, thank you!
It took me a while to accept what had
happened. This time last year I wanted to post a thanks, but I was still angry,
bitter, sad, and we had been through a lot as a family through the year. I felt
I couldn't post something genuine without losing those feelings. Today, I could
for sure still conjure up those feelings if I chose to dwell on them, so I
choose not to dwell on them. To be honest, today, I'm too busy to dwell on
anything but getting things done! Today, I say thank you for letting me have
the opportunity to play a part in so many people's lives. I have so many great
memories of coaching soccer and t-ball, hilarious stories with staff and
volunteers, and hug moments from day care to "older" people. I'm proud of all
the rec facilities we built together which my kids will use into the future. I
really can't account for all those who touched my/our life in this brief post,
but please know, your support and love is valued and not unnoticed. THANK
YOU!!!
Sally