Editor:
Port Mellon house fire victims Amber Jackson and Brendan Ladwig had a fabulous wedding and family camping weekend surrounded by love from nearly all their closest family members and friends.
There were moments of tears for the loss of heirlooms from relatives no longer present and the carefully crafted pieces made in preparation for the wedding. However, there were many, many more deeply heartfelt expressions of gratitude that the story was not the one of unimaginable horror it could have been.
The couple was clear they only had energy to care for their children and each other but would show up for their wedding if we put it on. Deepest thanks to all the people close to them who rallied around to create items lost and take over all the details to come as close as possible to their vision.
Both families wish to express our gratitude to the merchants and vendors who did not charge, returned deposits, forgave balances and went beyond original expectations to help us create an unforgettably wonderful day for the bride and groom.
They have a very steep road ahead in order to provide a new home for their family. There is no doubt that the tremendous support, both financial and emotional, already received from our local community and from away, is helping them to look forward and begin planning their eventual full recovery from this disaster. They are grateful for offers of support and assistance in the rebuilding received so far and can envision a “barn-raising” day sometime in the future.
Families of Brendan and Amber Ladwig, Roberts Creek and Gibsons
