Sept. 29, 2011, was a very windy day. In the blink of an eye and a loud crash, our lives changed. Northside residents were without power. We’re sorry it affected so many residents.

Words cannot properly convey our humble gratitude for the law enforcement and fire departments who responded so quickly, yet felt so helpless. Dale and I know what a dangerous situation they were dealing with. We are thankful no one was injured. We have the utmost respect for the firefighters and the law enforcement personnel.

We thank the Salvation Army who came to lend their support. They made arrangements for us to stay at Countryside Inn.

Thank you to:

• The Rev. Todd Walsh, who called on us later that night.

• Marsha Rafdal and her staff at AmericInn who have made us very comfortable.

• State Farm, with Amy Rehnelt’s assistance, who have given us so much support on our road to recovery.

• Albert Lea Electric for providing an enclosed trailer.

• Our family, Dianne and Miles Kleinschrodt, for the storage space, all the food they provided, and the many hours of “behind the scenes” projects that needed attention.

• Our sons and families for their phone calls and support, and the phone calls from the grandchildren.

• The Grace Lutheran family, neighbors, friends and strangers, who stopped by to offer assistance, hugs, kind expressions of concern, phone calls and cards.

• Lowell Elmer, who took the pictures with his cell phone.

During the fire, four little girls came by. They found me in the crowd of people who had gathered. They were so concerned for us — one of the girls handed me a cross necklace and said “Jesus is with you.”

The next day another young lady came by, so concerned for us having lost our home. She, too, gave us a huge warm hug. Children are so precious.

Albert Lea and the surrounding area has always been and will continue to be a very caring community.

Thank you for your prayers and may God bless each and everyone of you.

 

Dorothy Baldwin

Albert Lea