Heartfelt thanks to Jane Unhjem's Goshen

To the Editor:
A little over six months ago our sister-in-law, Jane Unhjem, died in a tragic accident.

A wonderful contributor to her family, the students of the school district, Goshen, Orange County, the Rotary Club, and her church was taken away, too soon.

She was so unpretentious that none of us fully understood all that she had contributed to so many people and organizations.

Before her untimely death we had visited Goshen many times, having lived upstate in Horseheads for four years and then visiting from Maryland. During all that time, however, we had little interaction with the people of Goshen and Orange County.

Then Jane was suddenly and sadly no longer here.

We spent time in Goshen right after the accident, supporting her parents and Mark’s mother at Glen Arden. Then when Erik came home from the hospital Grete spent several weeks in Goshen nursing him at his home.

We are extremely thankful for the empathy and support we received from Goshen and all of Orange County during this most difficult time. If we tried to name every one we would forget someone, so instead, all of you, please just know how much it is appreciated.

We sometimes wondered why Erik and Jane stayed in “slow motion” Goshen. Then, in the worst of times, we understood how remarkable this place really is.

Goshen and Orange County is America at its best!

When we visit Goshen we always enjoy reading the “I am Orange County” pages in the magazine. Now we can understand how truly a special place it is.

Tusen Takk (a thousand thanks in Norwegian) to all the wonderful people of Goshen and Orange County who have supported my brother, his children, Jane’s family, Mark’s mother, and us.

Erik and his children are doing as well as they are because of you.

And, be proud to say “I am Orange County”. You have proven that is something really special.

Mark and Grete Unhjem