Dear Chappaqua friends: I first learned the definition of the word “community” when I was studying for my English exam in China. I did not truly appreciate the real mean- ing of the word until last month, when I lost my husband, Qian Y. Xie, in the unthinkable tragedy.
Immediately after a car accident in September, the community reached out to me and my family, embracing us with kindness and generosity.We were completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of sympathy and support by neighbors, parents, students, teachers, coaches, school administrators and people we do not even know. In our first days of shock and daze, we lived on the food dropped off at our house. People came to offer help and comfort without expecting any acknowledge- ment. At school, friends, teammates, coaches and teachers offered my sons love and support. We were especially moved that both my sons’ soccer teams and wrestling team, headed by their coaches, came to attend the funeral service. The blue and orange Greeley tie was proudly worn by every varsity soccer team member.
If Qian were alive, he would be extremely pleased and comforted to know that we live in such a wonderful community. There is an old saying in Chinese that one should repay a drop of kindness with a fountain of grati- tude. We are proud to be a member of this community and we want to say thank you. We shall not forget your kindness, and we will give back to this community in whatever ways we can.
Sincerely yours, Qun Li, Bing Bing Xie and Yan Yan Xie
