Crash Victim's Family Member Thanks 'Wonderful' Hinsdale Community

The following letter was written by Joe Sullivan of Chicago:

Our family experienced a devastating loss a couple of weeks ago. My brother in law passed away in a car accident. 

As we raced to his house in Hinsdale, I kept thinking about his wife and two kids. How are they going to continue forward? 

I had been to his house numerous times and have met many friends and neighbors. All were friendly enough. But what I experienced the next few days was nothing short of amazing. 

I could not believe the acts of kindness I saw from the Hinsdale community, from the police department’s professionalism to every neighbor and friend I met. Every couple of hours there were adults as well as children willing to give a shoulder to cry on or food to put on the table, while taking the time to engage us in conversation about our loss.  

Having the kids around helped my niece and nephews realize what true friendship is. 

When we drove home from the wake at 10:30 p.m. and saw the thousands of luminary candles lit, I realized what a special community my brother- and sister-in-law are raising their kids in. Driving to the church for the funeral, we saw all of the orange and blue ribbons on all the trees, and it was a great sight.  

I would just like to say thanks to the Hinsdale community. I’m glad to know that their family will get through this tough time with the help of neighbors and friends they have met in this wonderful community.