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A special thanks to special people

Editor, Index-Tribune:

 

Our family would like the community to know that we are eternally grateful for how they have come together to help us in our time of need. Our home on Cavedale Road, just off Highway 12, burned on Sept. 14. Since articles about the fire appeared in the Index-Tribune on Sept. 14 and Sept. 20, we have had many people in Sonoma touch our lives - new friends and old friends alike.

Heidi Stearn, the owner of "Joe-2-Go," is an example of a "new friend." She led a campaign to organize gift cards for us at Freidman's Home Improvement store on Broadway. Not only does she have the best coffee in town, she has touched us by her outreach to the community on our behalf. Her coffee cart is located just inside Freidman's (try it, you'll like it).

In addition, there have been families that have offered help throughout Sonoma, too many to name. Certain families (who wish to remain unnamed) have been incredibly giving. You know who you are, and thank you.

Sonoma Charter School, where our 13-year-old daughter attends school, started an immediate campaign to help Brennie with replacing some immediate needs. Brennie is in her ninth year at the Charter School, and we are forever indebted to them for the kindness and incredible family that we feel so much a part of.

The St. Andrew Episcopal Church was there immediately as well. We know of the fire at St. Andrew Church a number of years ago and thank them for being so gracious to a family that went through a similar plight. Even the Hill and Dale Club in Napa reached out to help us. We are so touched to be a part of this loving and supportive community that took us under their wing to help give us support.

Thank you too to the wonderful firefighters of Glen Ellen, Sonoma, Cal Fire, Kenwood, Schell-Vista and Mayacamas who tried to save our home and belongings. We especially would like to thank the chief of the Mayacamas Fire Department for their very special gifts for us. Since our family is healthy and we were able to save our animals, we have all we truly need.

My biggest thank you needs to go to my wonderful daughter, Brennie Dale, who heroically ran into the fire to save her dogs and has been so strong while losing her home, childhood memories and personal belongings. I am very proud of you Brennie, and always remember, you gave me life. We hope all the community realizes how lucky we all are to live in such a special place.

We do.

Catherine Dale

Glen Ellen