To the Editor:

I have put together a thank you for the community for the help I received on behalf of my sister, Jean Leonard. She passed away December 28, 2015. Every time I started writing, I would cry and never could finish it.

I was overwhelmed by friends' and the community's help. I would like to thank many kind and gracious people: Jimmy Moore, my husband Graeme, my daughters Marian and Lily, and son James, back home in New Mexico; Mike Hartman and family; Robin Delaney, Chris Morgan, Patsy Fox, Catherine Galda and Suzy DeYoung; The Recovery and Resiliency Center; Adam & Lindsey Carley and Mark Lounsbury, REACH high school mentors.

Thank you to Ted Timmel and Karen Shaum; Tim Haas; NYA - Peter, Susan, Cody, Bonnie, Joanne, Angie, Joanne, and Nick; Joanne and Jeff Masso; Kathleen and Do Cole; Denise Griffin, Scott Rose and Roxanne; Christine Ruzek, Chris Sudbey; Ellie, Cliff, Maureen and staff at Sandy Hook Diner; Lisa Harrison, Grace, Diala, and all at Bank of America; and Newtown Savings Bank's Barbara Tucker; Wendy Meloy, Terry at Clearview Horse Farm; Wendy Swain, Sylvia, and Michael Nahoum, Kristy Davenport and family, Dorrie Carolan, Rob Bazuro and family, Nancy Masso, Donna Hoffman, Billy, Kathy Cuaomo and family, Wendy Melloy, Bob Elston, basketball coach, parents, and teammates; Frank Acri, Jill Lord at Franco's Pizza; Carminuccio's Pizza; Eunice at Bagel Delight; Figs Restaurant management and staff; and Big Brothers Big Sisters Organization; Middle Gate and Reed Schools, Newtown Middle and High Schools; Salon Michele; Sunoco's Nick; Gary the junk hauler, and Karen Browne and son Owen.

It takes a village... especially our childhood friends, colleagues, and school employees. Thanks to those not mentioned; I appreciate your strength and guidance through the most difficult time in my life.

Jennifer Means

on behalf of my sister, Jean Leonard, and her three amazing and strong children,

Megan, Zachary, and Courtney

El Alahambra Circle NW, Albuquerque, N.M.         November 4, 2016