Editor, Gazette-Journal:

It has been said that “Love isn’t love ’til you give it away.” I, and my family, have been the recipients of a love and generosity beyond our imagination. On Sept. 6, we experienced a terrible tragedy when Lowry was lost to us. In that great pain, we were surrounded by people who showed up to help us through it. There were people who I was not even aware of, so I hope this letter will let each one know how grateful we are for their deeds of kindness.

There were people in boats and people who walked a shoreline searching to recover Lowry’s body. We may not know everybody who participated but for your love in that endeavor we are grateful. There were friends who came that night, not knowing what to say, but came because they loved us. There was food enough to keep this large family well fed while we stayed together sharing this ordeal.

We were amazed at the people who turned out at the church for his viewing, people who waited in ...