More ice storm thank yous (1/25/05)

During the recent ice storm and power outage we learned our neighbors, Jean and Charles Gray, were the best neighbors anyone could ever have.

Their grandson came over Thursday morning to invite us to move over with his grandparents, the Grays.

He said they had a kerosene heater and were keeping warm. Since we were cold, we took them up on their invitation and went over, taking food items with us to share.

As we were going over their son-in-law from Michigan arrived with two generators in the bed of his truck — one for the Grays and one for their daughter and her family in Redkey. Jerry Zemlo drove six hours round trip to just be helpful to his family.

He will never know how much we, and later on, part of our family appreciate his mission. While staying there we felt a part of the family.

Sometimes during hardships we learn some of the most important things. We have known the Grays for more than 12 years. It was only during this disaster that we learned to know them for their compassion, concern and love for us.

The next night, Friday, our daughter and her family from rural Pennville were trying to tough it out at home.

Needless to say, they were hurting from the cold. Also, with no power, their pump would not pump water, causing more problems. Jean and Charles said to call them and tell them to pack up and come in to stay at their house with us. They did and were very grateful.

Now this made a total of six extra people with the Grays. We all were made to feel as one big family, and not as guests.

We all “pitched in” on food, gas for the generator, and cooking.

We all had such a good time that we forgot about what was going on outside.

Marsha and I, Sherri, Mike, John and Abbie will never forget their hospitality, friendship and concern for our situation.

May God richly bless the Grays.

Gary and Martha Pusey

Portland

Many thanks

To the editor:

Thank you for the Red Cross shelter, director Jeri Franks and her many volunteers at the Portland Fire Station during the ice storm.

The firemen, rescue team, EMS, police and mayor were all so kind and caring. They did everything they could to make us warm and safe.

There were hot meals, something to drink, and hygiene articles to keep us presentable. A nurse came to assist with showers at needed.

Thank you (firemen) for letting us watch you at work and sharing your building with us.

Thanks also to neighbors, tree trimmers, electric power workers, cable workers and family. And when we got home the paper was waiting; also the mail.

Delsie Brosher and

Wanita Shirk

Portland

Good neighbors

To the editor:

During the recent power outage I saw the kindness of my neighbors. There were the Wanglers, Mike and Katrina.

About the second day the power was out, Katrina came down to check on us. We told her we were doing all right; that we were cooking on our wood stove. About an hour later, here comes Mike with a heaped up plate of cooked ham.

Then comes Stan and Cammile Rines, asking if they could bring in wood for us. We bought bottled water for washing and other needs.

I rigged up a 12 volt, 50 watt bulb for light. I thank God for such good neighbors, but I really thank the men of the power company who spent countless hours working to restore power. We took a drive around the county and saw the downed poles and power lines. I thought it would take much longer than it did.

I have a heart full of gratitude to all those special men and the job they did.

We were without power for about six days, but I’m not going to complain. The Bible says in all things to give thanks. That’s just what I’m doing.

Bob and Liz Murray

Portland[[In-content Ad]]