I have told the story many times of the first time I knew that the Kingston Peninsula was where I wanted to live my life and raise my children. As a ten year old I stood in the midst of a crowded hall full of residents of all ages and knew the value of belonging to a community. Yesterday I experienced the same thing and hope my grandchildren felt it as deeply as I did on that day fifty some years ago. I couldn’t help but think as I left the Legion yesterday that nineteen years ago the community gave a similar outpouring .On the day of Zac’s funeral we were swept up in the loving embrace of our friends and neighbors. Births, deaths, accidents, fire, flood, life changing events are the times a strong community rallys behind it’s people and shows support. I know other communities do the same but I have been privileged to live in this one. I used to tell my students that to have a friend you need to be a friend. Well yesterday was proof that Chapin and Brianne were raised to be a friend.This morning the April sun shines as the month winds down and I am filled with feelings of love and hope. I feel the dark night has given way to the bright morning. I am so deeply thankful for that.