…a continuation
As this issue comes to an end, I would just like to say what a privilege it has been for us to put it together for you.
It was our intention to publish something you could refer back to as a reminder not of tragedy but of triumph.
Of determination. Of fortitude.
Of kindness. Of generosity.
Of heroism. Of gratitude.
Of so much more.
These words I write to you come from a perspective never before experienced or imagined—it is too ridiculous of a tale to be fact and too unimaginable to be fiction. I guess what I mean is, I still sometimes can’t believe it happened.
The picture at the top of this page was taken outside the offices of The Forum just after completing the cleanout after the storm.
One year ago, having just entered its the 40th year of publishing, we were unable to salvage so much as a pencil from that office.
Now, only one year later, almost to the day, we sent to press this newspapers largest issue ever published.
Without our readers and our clients who continue to support us with their loyalty, it would have been an impossible feat.
We could not be prouder of the place we hold in the community.
I could never thank individually all of you who were instrumental to our getting here
and being given the opportunity to serve this community as a trusted and valued partner.
In concluding this issue I would like to share with you what I have taken away from the last year.
I believe that the storm acted as a reminder that a reality check was in order because
perhaps we had become to taken with taking advantage and taking for granted things that we should not.
We all have a take home message from this storm. Mine is simple.
I was raised in faith and taught by my parents to believe in God.
After this storm my beliefs are no longer due to influence.
I believe in God because I saw Him over and over. In my friends and in my foes. In firemen, in strangers.
In the miracles that happened every day around us.
And now still as we continue to move forward together.
May God Continue To Bless Us And Keep Us Safe
