Community's response is overwhelming

To the editor:

On June 26, our family lost our home to a fire that was started when a stray firework landed in our landscape. The events since that night have strengthened our belief that the move we made here five years ago was a great decision.

In the days following the fire, the support we received from friends, neighbors, our co-workers at Proctor & Gamble and the community was astounding. People and businesses alike have reached out and helped in one way or another. Although the fire was devastating to our family, we have continued to feel very blessed from the support we have received.

We all tend to find things we feel compelled to gripe about from time to time concerning the area or the people, but our family is here to tell you firsthand that the people of Jackson and Cape Girardeau have got to be among the most outstanding, supportive, wonderful people we have ever come across. We had people show up to help us sort through the debris, donations of clothes for the kids, food for our family and helpers, gift certificates, furniture and the list goes on.

There is no way we will ever be able to properly thank everyone for all they've done for us. There are just no words to express the gratitude we feel. The people of this area are phenomenal, and we're very proud to be a part of the community. Our heartfelt thanks to all who have been there for us.

SHEILA TROWBRIDGE

Jackson