To the Editor:

After being residents of Newtown for the last 21 years, what we always felt about the town and the people was affirmed in ways we never imagined. On November 6, a horrific fire destroyed our home in a beautiful neighborhood on Wedgewood Court. This is the home that we raised our daughter and shared our home with family and friends.

As the fire swept through our home, the feeling of loss was indescribable. The heroic efforts of the wonderful firefighters were valiant, yet beyond anyone’s ability to save the house. We were distraught and physically sick and left with a tremendous amount of uncertainty.

However, as evening fell on the night of the fire, we were already feeling the compassion and kindness of neighbors on Wedgewood Court and this wonderful town. Our dear neighbors of nearly 20 years took us in without hesitation and provided much-needed comfort and reassurance that all would be okay.

As the days went by the tears of loss began to change to tears of gratitude. We were overwhelmed with kindness and compassion that we never experienced before.

It’s humbling to lose everything and to have to wear donated clothes, but it makes you realize that people are ready to literally give you the shirts off their backs to help.

Two months later and we are still trying to think of ways to thank so many people. There have been so many heartwarming gifts. Gifts from neighbors, the entire Bethel Public School District, the firefighters, the EMT’s, kindness from our Newtown town officers, and the many strangers that just wanted to help. As people who have donated to the Red Cross, we never thought we’d be on the receiving end of their support.

Even people we only recently met. Months before the fire we got our loving new dog Paolo [who was pulled from the fire] and soon after started working with Canine Training and Behavior Service (CTBS) and our trainer Patti. Patti organized a fundraiser and shocked us with very generous donations of clothes and money.

We also received homemade dinners, gift cards, and so many other thoughtful gifts. One of the most kindhearted was from our friends who lived through the Sandy Hook tragedy. Days before Christmas we were given dozens and dozens of ornaments right off of peoples’ own trees. All came with messages of hope and prayers. We cried, but the tears were those of gratitude and hope.

So, we write to say thanks to everyone. Your kindness and compassion can never be described or repaid. We are blest to live in a place that has so many compassionate and caring people. We will be forever grateful. Most importantly, in our uncertain times, it is consoling to know that when you need help, your neighbors and town will be there for you.

With Gratitude,

Len, Fran, Emily, and Paolo (The Yellow Lab) Peters

Wedgewood Court, Newtown