Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, December 25, 1994 TAG: 9412270056
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: HOLIDAY
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
These last few months have been slow and long, sometimes painful. Kelly's surgery was successful; and thanks to the fund established for her medical needs, she continues to receive physical therapy during her recovery. The future holds many unknowns, healing is slow, but there is hope and much to be thankful for.
During this holiday season, we are aware of the true spirit of giving right here in Christiansburg.
In the last several months, I have read two letters from a man who no longer lives in our town who lamented this cold, lonely, and empty town. He describes a town left behind by progress. A town is not buildings. A town is its people. Look past those empty buildings and meet those who make this town great, who are Good Samaritans, who lift us up. These are the ones we count as blessings this year:
Lenore Jackson - who organized fund raisers, gave love every day and never stopped giving of herself.
Henry and Polly Board - who sold tickets to a spaghetti dinner, made calls and visits and loved their granddaughter with a love that made a difference.
Rev. Pete DuPlessis - who knew how to reach out in love...
Tina Cunningham - who led the Baptist young women and others to a spectacular spaghetti dinner, called New York and gave of self.
Brian Kelley - a wonderful writer who became a friend...
Pargo's - who supported their community and a girl who needed help; cooked and served; and have the best service in town - thanks.
Creative Looks and Patrick's Mane Event - who cut hair and donated proceeds and time to us...
First National Bank - Sam Tollison, Angel Anderson and all the employees who loved a fellow worker with their hearts.
Church Families - Christiansburg Presbyterian, Main Street Baptist, St. Paul Methodist, Trinity Baptist, and all the others who baked goodies and kept the prayer chain going.
Sam and Ann Morgan - who loved Kelly as their own and came back for more . . .
Christiansburg High School - whose students and faculty adopted Kelly as a project and gave time and strength and space...
Tracy Long - who loved a girl she had never met and dedicated herself to a mission of love...
To all of you - friends, neighbors, and those we will never meet. Thank you for giving your time, your money, and for loving my daughter with your hearts. Thanks to you, Kelly is making progress and has hope.
You will always be with us in spirit.
Thanks to you, a town came together in time of crisis and showed the world that nothing is impossible.
Thanks to you, Christmas is every day.
Vickie Wert
Christiansburg
by CNB