To the Cazenovia community:

Six weeks ago, my daughter and I lost our home to fire and became the focus of your good will. I credit you for making the difference. The impact of our loss and the weeks since could have repercussions on Nova and I for the rest of our lives. I believe it will, although not presenting itself as sorrow or fear, but of security and generosity having felt the depth of human kindness.

I don’t know how to thank you for the gift you’ve given. From the very first night, we knew everything was going to be all right. In the following 12 days, Nova and I were in a continual state of complete, utter, grateful awe by your heartfelt gifts, thoughts and generosity. We never had time or emotion left to wallow. I cannot adequately express how grateful we truly are. You filled our souls. And I don’t say that lightly.

You should trust my first-hand knowledge that there are a lot of good people out there. Compassionate, empathetic, generous and just pure caring people. Know that you made an incredibly positive difference in our lives. In these times, have faith and pride in being human.

So I thank you. Please understand that there are too many people and organizations to thank individually yet I appreciate you all individually, that I know I have witnessed something beautiful that I wish I could adequately share, and that I’ve learned appreciation grows exponentially. You will be a part of our family Christmas lore for generations to come.

I must individually recognize Emily Young and her entire family. Their efforts, and hers in particular, gave us so much, but nothing more important than it gave Nova and I the time and reason to focus on what we needed to. If you see her, please thank her for me; I can’t do it enough on my own.

Thank you as sincerely as one could say,

Keith Berger

Cazenovia