HECKMAN-PAGEL

A HEARTFELT THANK YOU

All of a sudden it’s almost Fall. We’ve relocated to a temporary house and we’ll continue to figure out our next step. Meanwhile the world keeps spinning… school and work have begun and Summer evaporated before it began.  I need more time to process this fire caused by lightning and its aftermath, to slow down and back track through the literal and figurative rubble.  

And more importantly, to pause and cherish the good that was born from this tragedy. 

I have not as much time as I’d like; therefore. here is a first and inadequate attempt to give thanks (with a novel to follow at some future date):

The Pagel Family, Zach, Ella, Clara, Addy and Shannon, would like to graciously thank all the kind souls who supported us, lifted us, and at times, carried us through the tragic house fire and subsequent loss of our home this June.

To say our family is beyond grateful would be an understatement. All the love and support we received from family, friends and even strangers is astounding. It has renewed my hope in humankind and allows me to see what is truly important in this one precious life we are given. (Hint: It’s not material goods.)

In wake of such awe-inspiring kindness, I am perplexed as to how I could ever say a 

‘Proper Thank You’, a thank you that could be enough, a thank you that could be heard shouted from mountain high for the entire world to hear.  Even that, would not suffice. I may not ever know all the people who helped, nor how people helped our family, as that night, those first weeks after, the entire summer was such a blur. To the strangers who helped, we thank you with our hearts. To the strangers who became friends (giving your home, your food, your warm clothes), your kindness is nourishing and flourishing. We will pass this on! And to those brave firewomen and men and all those there on the night of the fire, who risked so much to save our home, our cat, our things, I can never say thank you enough. You were so kind and caring it breaks my heart each time I revisit that night. You will always be in my heart. And to my family and my friends (my extended family), you too, had your summer turned upside down and tossed and kept at sea, utterly neglecting your sunshiny plans to just be there for us. My crew of amazing women, my beacons, who guided us, always there, with utter selflessness, with complete love and nurturing, I adore you and love you FOREVER. Becky, Jordan, Kelly, Lorie and Nikki, and Katie (and their families).

How can a girl have such dear friends?  

Heidi and Niamh and Ben, I thank you.  Deanna, I thank you. River, I thank you. Greg and Amy I thank you, John and Becky, so much thanks.  Rosie, I thank you.  Ada, I thank you. 

Margie and Becky, I thank you. My families in Newville and Carlisle, Shippensburg, my GBLUES family, what amazing villages we’ve been lucky enough to join. My family is blessed. The world is a good place.  

May the love and beauty we share in this world continue to sustain us all. 

With all of my being, every ounce, I thank you. 

-Shannon