We would like to thank our family, friends and neighbors who helped us clean up after the tornado.

As to the people we didn’t know who helped us, that is just serendipity. If you ever wonder when you put dollars in a red kettle or send off a check to the American Red Cross or Salvation Army, know it is used, this time it went to Freeborn County. Their little trucks stopped at many damaged places with water, food and fellowship. We became especially acquainted with a couple from Rushford. A former principal at Alden came to our fields and helped pick up debris. He now lives in St. Paul and just wanted to help.

To the members of West Freeborn Church, who provided lunch and sometimes supper all through the recovery, many, many thanks. We know that they were tired, yet they showed up every day not only providing food but bathrooms, water and comfort. We are so sorry that some of them had hail damage on June 26. West Freeborn also had people from the Crisis Center there. They also have a table of pictures that have been found in the fields.

This was a terrible tragedy but a time to discover the real riches in life.

Pat Gjersvik

Albert Lea