Jay County pulls together (5/30/03)

“You’re gonna love this!”

I can’t remember the number of times I heard Greg Moser begin a story with that prediction. I loved Greg and Marianne and could go on for hours with reasons and stories of my own, as could so many Jay Countians.

But that’s not the point of this letter. Not this time.

My wife, Bobbi, and I geographically left Jay County more than two years ago, but we left behind many friends, emotions and big pieces of our hearts. We didn’t know whether others felt that way about us, because often you somehow forfeit such connections when you’re the ones that leave.

Last week was one of the hardest of my life as we said goodbye to the Mosers and Jeff and Eileen Bickel. It was also a week of blessings as people we care so much about reached out to us just as we reached out to them.

Through three days of holding hands, hugging necks and sharing tears, it became clear to us that we were still part of the Portland family, and would always be. Thank you for that.

I would love to tell you about the days spent with the Mosers helping people in Ukraine last winter, but that’s for another time.

Today I just want to celebrate how much Jay County pulled together and supported each other as friends and family during a very difficult time. I think Greg and Marianne would have been pleased with that.

In fact, for those folks who may be new to the Portland area, let me predict that due to the legacy of those who have gone on ahead, you are going to love this place.

John W. Samples

Noblesville

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