Wednesday, May 21, 2003

I don't know how I would have coped with the recent death of my son, John Ashmore, had it not been for the unwavering support and sympathy from the community.

I have addressed an open letter to my friends and neighbors expressing my gratitude, and would appreciate your printing it so that even those anonymous benefactors who have been so generous will know they touched our hearts.

To all who sent their love:

Our words cannot express the loving gratitude that we feel towards our community. A hole has been torn in our hearts, but each of you has brought a little piece of yours to help fill the void.

Without your love, and your support in so many ways, we would not have managed to survive the worst day of our lives. God sent us an angel to live with us, and now we have one we know personally by His side whom we can talk to every day.

Writing to the Corinthians, Saint Paul extolled the virtues of faith, hope and love, and he emphasized that the greatest of these is love. Thank you for yours.

Linda Ashmore

and the family of John Ashmore