Thank You Isn't Enough

I had an inspirational conversation with Joanne Bergman tonight about what really matters in life and the value of living in a small town. First the basics: Joanne and her boys are staying with her mom until July 1st. They are moving into a new place then and she'll have a better idea of any specific household needs at that point. Right now she doesn't have storage space for physical donations.

She and her family are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support and help. It's when she considers how the community has responded that she gets emotional. "Stuff is stuff" she says. She considers herself lucky. Everyone made it out safe. They had time to grab the cat, but nothing else.

But she said they got everything that was important. She has her family, great friends and neighbors who care. Life goes on, one foot in front of the other. It's the love and support that are getting her through this.

She wants everyone to know she is doing well. Even in the midst of all the loss, she sees the good. She appreciates the efforts of the fire fighters who went into her burning home to make sure she and her family were safe. The fire fighters are the ones who give selflessly every day, risking their lives she says. She is thankful everyone made it out safe and no other houses were involved.

I'll keep you posted on future needs. Joanne is right, they have the most important things - life and family. But if you want to help her rebuild, you can contribute to the Bergman Family Fire Fund at the Tacoma Narrows Credit Union or drop a donation in the jars at Town Hall or Don's Market.

These challenges are when being a community means more than just living in a neighborhood; we make a difference in a meaningful, powerful way. Thank you for all you do, neighbors!