This wood carving was created by my very talented nephew and it’s a first edition (which I stole from his mother, my sister). It seemed providence that this beauty came into my life the very weekend that the Lily Jean news was unfolding. We were away as details emerged and the community gasped in horror. Support and assistance was immediately offered without question and once again our fishing families and community came together.
Jim and I were aching to be home as our community was reeling. I came to understand that our desire to return was based in part on the urge to be present, to bear witness and to help shoulder the grief and shock. Shared sorrow is a tie that binds. For us, it feels like a responsibility as a Gloucester citizen to help carry the burden. Not to lessen it, but to embrace it on behalf of all those families past and present who have had to live on and move forward without their loved ones at their sides. Bless us all.

