Dear Editor:

On February 20th, 2010, our lives changed forever for with that date is when our son died tragically. It was a parent's worst nightmare unfolding before us and had we not had such tremendous support from the small community of Jim Thorpe, I cannot even imagine how we could have made it through that time period.From the moment the town's people heard our saddening news, there were knocks on our door, phone calls, baked goods and foods prepared, and errands ran for us. People filtered through our home in a constant flow to give us support and guide us the best that they could. One thousand people stood in line for hours at Adam's viewing to offer condolences. Our church was so full for his funeral mass there wasn't an empty seat available.The local churches held prayer groups to pray for our family, my parent's church rallied together to make food for Adam's funeral luncheon, and our own church gave support beyond belief. People told us strangers who heard of our loss dropped food items off for the funeral meal at the church. The list of those who donated runs on and on. Ted and I were in a fog for the first month after Adam's passing. We reflect now on how wonderful the town has been and also recognize support received from other neighboring communities.Our son Adam loved this town, tremendously, we all did. We all grew up here as natives and we all knew Jim Thorpe had something special. An appeal that is unique and comprised of people who genuinely care, Jim Thorpe has always held those remarkable characteristics. People focused on how wonderful our son was and how kind they all were to our family. No one dwelled on how Adam passed, instead they focused on how he lived and how we, his family was doing.Ted and I and Jordan will be forever grateful for all the kindness, love and generosity that the amazing people of Jim Thorpe provided to us during this sad time. Adam would often tell us he wouldn't have wanted to grow up or live anywhere else. And we agree.Again, this letter is to simply recognize a town's efforts to support a family of their "own". We are so proud to say we live in Jim Thorpe and again, we wish to extend our deepest gratitude and thanks to all of you, who prayed with us, guided us, stood beside us or thought about our family during our sadness. We are forever grateful.Sincerely written,Lori and TeddyLaRizzioJim Thorpe