Thank you for the unexpected acts of human kindness

Thank you for the unexpected acts of human kindness

To the editor:

My brother, Andy Countryman, and I would like to thank the Leesburg community for their recent outpouring of support for us as we mourned the loss of our father, Charlie Countryman (1966-2010).  

Like many towns in southern Ohio, basketball is an integral part of life in the winter.  This year was no different despite the recent loss of our father to pancreatic cancer just days prior to our highly anticipated contest, Peebles High School vs. Fairfield-Leesburg High School on Feb. 2, 2010. It was during this game that the most admirable acts of human kindness were revealed and we were once again reminded how blessed we are to be part of such a wonderful community. 

Ironically, Fairfield had previously coordinated an American Cancer Society fundraiser to be held during this competition. Funds for this worthy cause were raised by auctioning T-shirts signed by players, cheerleaders and coaches. Throughout the evening, it was surreal that Andy and I had just lost our father to pancreatic cancer less than two days prior and, surrounding us, were people who were opening their hearts and wallets to combat this horrible disease. 

It was at the conclusion of the auction when we realized just how much those people surrounding us in that gymnasium cared about us — Peebles and Leesburg fans alike. Unbeknownst to us, Leesburg volunteers had decided that beyond observing a respectful moment of silence for our family, they would collect money to make a special purchase. At the conclusion of the auction, Leesburg fans contributed over $480 and Peebles fans contributed over $1,400 toward the purchase of a shirt designated for both Andy and myself.  

Needless to say, this was a much appreciated and thoughtful gesture on behalf of many people who were virtual strangers to our family and to the battle that my dad fought courageously for the last year. 

This has been an incredibly difficult time for our entire family, yet we continue to be inspired by the amazing acts of kindness among people that are only connected to us as fellow community members and in this case, two kids from the opposing team. For many of the families that graciously offered their hard-earned money to support us and extend their sympathy, we are forever grateful.  

Thank you for this awesome reminder that human kindness prevails in southern Ohio.  

With deepest appreciation,

Miranda Countryman and on behalf of my brother, Andy Countryman (Peebles, OH)

Dawn Wallace

Curriculum Consultant

South Central Ohio ESC

411 Court Street

Portsmouth, Ohio 45662

To the editor:

My brother, Andy Countryman, and I would like to thank the Leesburg community for their recent outpouring of support for us as we mourned the loss of our father, Charlie Countryman (1966-2010).  

Like many towns in southern Ohio, basketball is an integral part of life in the winter. This year was no different despite the recent loss of our father to pancreatic cancer just days prior to our highly anticipated contest, Peebles High School vs. Fairfield-Leesburg High School on Feb. 2, 2010. It was during this game that the most admirable acts of human kindness were revealed and we were once again reminded how blessed we are to be part of such a wonderful community. 

Ironically, Fairfield had previously coordinated an American Cancer Society fundraiser to be held during this competition. Funds for this worthy cause were raised by auctioning T-shirts signed by players, cheerleaders and coaches. Throughout the evening, it was surreal that Andy and I had just lost our father to pancreatic cancer less than two days prior and, surrounding us, were people who were opening their hearts and wallets to combat this horrible disease. 

It was at the conclusion of the auction when we realized just how much those people surrounding us in that gymnasium cared about us — Peebles and Leesburg fans alike. Unbeknownst to us, Leesburg volunteers had decided that beyond observing a respectful moment of silence for our family, they would collect money to make a special purchase. At the conclusion of the auction, Leesburg fans contributed over $480 and Peebles fans contributed over $1,400 toward the purchase of a shirt designated for both Andy and myself.  

Needless to say, this was a much appreciated and thoughtful gesture on behalf of many people who were virtual strangers to our family and to the battle that my dad fought courageously for the last year. 

This has been an incredibly difficult time for our entire family, yet we continue to be inspired by the amazing acts of kindness among people that are only connected to us as fellow community members and in this case, two kids from the opposing team. For many of the families that graciously offered their hard-earned money to support us and extend their sympathy, we are forever grateful.  

Thank you for this awesome reminder that human kindness prevails in southern Ohio.  

With deepest appreciation,

Miranda Countryman and on behalf of my brother, Andy Countryman
Peebles