Where there's smoke, there's community

On behalf of the staff of Barbara Blanchard Elementary School in Cape Girardeau, I wish to gratefully acknowledge all of the many people who assisted us after a fire at the school Dec. 6.

We appreciate the valiant efforts of the Cape Girardeau Fire Department as they responded to the situation. Every day, firefighters put themselves in harm's way to save lives and property. This fire was especially difficult because it was in rooms that were fully engulfed and in the center of the building.

The firefighters had to enter the rooms on their backs and then blow a hole in the roof to allow the heat to escape. Although they are highly trained, their jobs are fraught with danger. The bravery of the firefighters kept our school from suffering further damage. They are truly heroes of our community.

We had a number of people, schools, school districts, organizations, agencies and businesses offer us assistance in the days and weeks that followed -- many who continue to offer us help. Words seem insufficient to properly describe the extent of the generosity we have experienced over the past several months.

We felt the love, concern, good wishes and prayers every day. This was very sustaining as we planned our journey back to Blanchard.

We thank Lynwood Baptist Church for opening its loving arms to us and welcoming 385 of our students and staff to continue classes in their beautiful facility. They treated us as honored guests and continually thanked us for coming.

It was our hope to return to Blanchard on Jan. 4. That was not to be because the building was not ready. Our stay was extended until Jan. 27.

We thought of Lynwood as a gift to us, and they thought of us as a gift to them. The church truly epitomizes the spirit of service to others. They were happy to take care of us, and we were so happy to be there.

We gratefully acknowledge our precious students. One of the men who helped with the fire restoration visited us at Lynwood. He said that he had traveled to schools all across the country and had never seen such well-behaved students.

The students followed our new routine beautifully. On the first floor of the church, the students started and ended the day in the worship center, ate breakfast and lunch in the fellowship hall, and had music class in the choir room. We occupied the entire second floor with classrooms and offices.

We also wish to acknowledge our wonderful parents. After the fire, during our time at Lynwood and then in transferring back to Blanchard, the parents were always supportive and understanding. Our experience at Lynwood Baptist Church will be a cherished lifelong memory for all of us.

On Sunday, Jan. 29, the Blanchard staff attended services at Lynwood to express our deep appreciation and to say goodbye to our Lynwood friends.

Life is not always easy. Sometimes life is hard. In the difficult times, we learn strength and compassion. But when we receive a burden to bear, the load is lightened when good people come to help. The members of Lynwood Baptist Church came to us in our time of need. Their kindness will never be forgotten.

Life will not always be free of troubles and strife. But when tragedy occurs and you are lifted up by all who surround you, the troubled waters are stilled and peace and happiness reign. Thank you to all of our many friends and know that we will remember to "pass it on."

Dr. Barbara Kohlfeld is the principal at Barbara Blanchard Elementary School in Cape Girardeau.