Ten months ago, on August 7, 2023, me and my son's lives were changed forever, as we survived a tornado that destroyed our townhouse rental in Turin on August 7, 2023. As I humbly write this with tears flowing, it is with a completely thankful and humble heart that I can look back and am grateful for the Black River Valley Business and Community Alliance, the community members who join together to form this alliance, who helped brighten my boy's day, by letting Edward be a kid for a day and including him in a fun filled adventure at Open Farm Day, which is forever etched in this mother's heart.

Edward sent me so many photos that day of all that he got to experience as I was working my cleaning jobs to keep gaining ground in replacing all that we had lost. I had never met Josh Fitzgerald in person, a phone call from him a few days before the event and so soon after the tornado, had my head spinning, I heard only positive things about Mr. Fitzgerald and leaned on my faith that this was all okay, that Edward would only gain good from the bad we experienced. So, arrangements were made, for Edward to arrive in style as he was picked up from The Edge Hotel (we were sadly left homeless) in a blue jeep, Edward's favorite (without Mr. Fitzgerald having a clue of who Edward or I were or anything about us). We only knew each other because a tragedy brought a community together to help a child who otherwise would have missed out on a fun day of learning and exploring.

From taking him to breakfast at Broadway Café (donations received from there as Edward had a full day of road tripping with Mr. Fitzgerald and crew). This mother was told he needed nothing, all was being provided for him, (oh how I am smiling now realizing all that we truly have to be grateful for) to seeing the various farms (and Edward loves farms and all this part of NY has to offer). From fun to food, Edward had a memorable day away, thanks to the individuals who form the Black River Valley Business and Community Alliance. As I reflect on life in general, it truly takes strong and caring individuals to do this for others, not because they have to, but because they want to. When one chooses to join such an organization and sacrifice their own time for others, there's a lot of positive to be said about those individuals and it's important they know their efforts truly made a difference in the life of my child.

As we mark the almost 1-year anniversary of the Tornado, we continue to rebuild, a new life awaited us, one that is built on the foundations that others helped us, including Black River Valley Business and Community Alliance for which we are humbly and eternally grateful for.

Kim Long

June 11, 2024