Grateful beyond words

To the editor:

This Saturday evening was a momentous occasion in Palmer. Our community showed that it can come together — all persuasions, all walks of life, all political persuasions — to help one of our own. That person happened to be me, and I am grateful beyond words.

And that is the lesson learned. Our community is powerful and united at its core and able to accomplish wonderful things. This was just the beginning of what will be done by the people of our town.

Of course, the thank yous are endless; friends, family, artists, business folks, so many that I can’t name all of them in this letter and don’t want to slight anyone. But Denise Smith Statz, who organized, kept the fires burning and pulled this off, deserves a special thank you. Yes, she had help — wonderful help — but without her this would not have happened.

And that is the other lesson. Perhaps you don’t have Denise’s overflowing basket of skills, but anyone who has a good idea and a little love will find a community willing to support them. That doesn’t happen everywhere, it does happen here.

You have all been so generous that my medical needs are covered and there will be some money left over. I am planning on setting that aside as seed money for the next person or community need.

Thank you so very much.

Gregory Gusse

Palmer