Letter to the Editor: Thank you from Tornados to chemoTherapy

The following is an open letter written by Watkinsville City Clerk Julie Sanders:

In our minds there is always someone that needs help more than us.  We can handle things ourselves.  This is far from the truth and a hard lesson learned starting in 2010 when a tornado hit our home on April 8, 2010.  We realized then that we do need help sometimes.  A long overdue thank you goes out to every fire department member, emergency personnel, police department, and every volunteer from family members to friends to even strangers that assisted us during that difficult time.  As many people know, Randy had a heart attack on December 1, 2010 – just ten days before we were able to move back home.  Just as we are beginning to get settled back home and from his illness, in June of 2011 Randy was diagnosed with colon cancer that has now metastasized to his liver and lungs.  He continues to go through chemotherapy. During this period of time the love and support we have received has been incredible.  

March 16, 2013 was yet another amazing outpouring of love and support for our family.  With the help of Susan & Kim Stone & Phyllis Poole – TEAM RANDY was formed.  It is our understanding EVERYTHING for Randy’s benefit was donated.  How do you say, 'Thank You' with deepest heartfelt sincerity when thank you is only two small words?  Then one of our favorite songs came to mind:  Ronnie Milsap's  “What a Difference You’ve Made in My Life”… Your service of time, donations, words of encouragement, and hugs and prayers is appreciated much more than you will ever know.  Our lives are truly blessed.  Thank everyone that has supported us and loved us from Tornado to chemoTherapy.  Special thanks to:  DW, Susan & Kim Stone; Ed Stone; Phyllis Poole; Tommy & Barbara Smith and the Smith Family; our Gibbs Memorial Baptist Church Family; Jim & Bucky Malcom; Curbside Services; all Team Randy Members and EVERY single person that participated in any way big or small – please know that you have made a difference in our lives.  We Love You All! May God Bless You how HE has blessed us!!

The Sanders:  Randy, Julie & Randa