A special thank-you to everyone who worked so hard to make my benefit a great success and to my friends and family of Warren County for coming out in some awful weather to support the benefit. With your gracious donations and God’s work we pray that Maryland will be able to give me additional time here to spend with all of you.

I find myself struggling with the composition of this letter. I want to thank you for your act of kindness last week. My friend said, “just say what is in your heart.” I find that is easier said than done because my heart is so full of love and gratitude and I am afraid that I won’t be able to express the full gamut of emotions that I am feeling right now. I am so humbled by the heartfelt display of encouragement that you have shown me and my family. My simple words seem so totally inadequate. I felt so many things the night that you honored me with the benefit. I looked in awe of the people who responded to my need and gave so much positive energy and effort to show how much they cared about the circumstance of my life and this ongoing battle I continue to fight. How do I properly thank so many for their love and generosity? My friends, family, and even some people that I didn’t know and that didn’t know me, came out in some pretty perilous conditions to support me both emotionally and financially. This unimaginable act of kindness totally blew me away.

I wanted to let each of you know how much I appreciate and value your friendship. These past weeks as I was going through a lot of uncertainty about my life and what the future holds for me, you were there to lift me up with your words, and comfort me with your hugs. I have always known that friends are those important people in your life who help you enjoy the good times, and are there to help you get through the bad times. Thank you so much for being there for me. What can I say? You are absolutely amazing! Your friendship means a great deal to me, and I feel very lucky to have your love and support through thick and thin.

You have truly touched my heart and I thank you for being a part of my life. This week I reached a turning point, and my outlook is now much brighter. I will always remember the sweet friendship you extended to me that night, at a time when I needed it most. I ask for your continued prayers and again, thank you for your thoughtfulness and support.

Wanda and Mike Caruthers

Vicksburg