JCC Teacher Says Thank You

I have been a teacher at the JCC of the North Shore in Marblehead for 20 years and one of the things I have always loved about working here is the sense of family it provides. 

On New Year’s Eve, my sister Pam and I were watching television in her condo when we smelled smoke from the condo below. Pammy, in her efforts to save an elderly woman, received third degree burns on her hand and foot. 

We were told later that our quick actions (and others’ from the condo complex) saved the woman's life and kept the two condos from burning down.  

It is now almost three weeks later and Pammy is healing nicely, although she still has a way to go. I have been reflecting on everything that has happened and it has reaffirmed for me why working at the JCC is so special. 

I have been sitting here thinking of ways to express my gratitude and deep appreciation for the kindness, overwhelming outpouring of support and generosity my sister Pammy and I have received from the JCC administration and countless JCC friends or former staff members, Early Childhood co-workers, families from my classroom, JCC Board members and staff. 

Dinners have been prepared for us, many generous gift cards given to us, time off and flexible scheduling has been made available to me. How do I say thank you for all of that?

 I can try by just letting you all know Pam and I are forever grateful. You have shown us in this often cynical world we live in, that compassion and generosity still prevails.

Love, Bonnie Dudley (Salem)