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What a great day yesterday! The Bash was a HUGE success - other than being a little hot, the weather was perfect, Dad was feeling good and able to enjoy himself, everything was so well organized and the day and night could not have run more smoothly. I think we're all still in awe at the amount of people who made it out to support and visit. There were many times throughout the day where I just stopped and took a moment to look around...so many friends and family, smiling, laughing and having a great time - days like yesterday really reinforce for me how lucky we all are to live in such an amazing place, surrounded by a community that truly cares for one another. I was talking with a friend last night, who did not grow up in Clinton County and doesn't currently live here...She summed the experience up perfectly in saying "this is a magical little place." -and it's so true.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, to all who drove from near and far to show support of my Dad and family and participate in the Bash yesterday. Also big thank you to everyone who donated items, equipment and time and/or who contributed to the success of the day in any way. Most importantly, a HUGE thank you to the committee who organized this event - wow. Talk about an amazing group of people - without you, none of this would have been possible. Not only have you contributed hours and hours of time and energy, effort and money, but you have been a huge support system for my family.
I just have to call out this amazing group of people who have given up their evenings and weekends over the last few months to coordinate this event: Glen and Elaine Robke, Carl and Gerri Huels, Jan and Art Kampwerth, Carol and Llyod Vaniger, Warren and Coleen Strieker, Jim and Diane Hummert, Amanda Gerstner, Craig Robke, Glenn and Geralyn Kruep, Bob and Mel Netemeyer, Don and Sherry Schomaker, Eric Kraeger, Shelly Kohrmann, Norman and Colette Strieker, Ryan Strieker, Bob Connors and Steve and Kelly Lake.
Mom and Dad would have never asked for something like this - they've always tried to be the ones helping, so it's very hard for them to be in a position where they could use a little help themselves. After all of this time, it's still a little surreal...you never know when life is going to throw you a curve ball and all you can do is try to pick up the pieces and carry on as best you can - but there have been many days over the past year that I'm not sure we would have made it through without such an amazing support system of family, fiends and community - You have been a backbone for our family and words cannot describe how thankful we are to have you all in our lives. Please know your generosity and thoughtfulness is so appreciated and will never be forgotten.
Here's to kicking some serious cancer A$$!! - let's hope this is a sign Dads health and good test results will continue for a long time.
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We're all still recuperating and resting after last nights festivities, but I am collecting photos from the day and promise to post a few soon.