One year ago, the Bergin family lost their Wilton home and possessions to a tragic fire. True to form, the Wilton community quickly marshaled to help the family in the aftermath, with an abundance of support, generosity and a readiness to ask, “What can we do to help?”
And so many people did help, coming together to assist the Bergins with moving forward after the disaster. To mark the year since the fire, the Bergins have asked GOOD Morning Wilton to publish their message to Wilton.
One year ago today—just a few minutes before 7 p.m.—our lives changed forever.
Thinking back to the events surrounding the evening of Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017, brings back a flood of emotions but no emotion greater than that of gratitude.
In the days and months that followed the horrible fire that took our family home—took our physical memories—and took our pet guinea pig, Milky Way—we’ve been surrounded by love, compassion and generosity. As I read the words I wrote last year, they still hold true today. We remain grateful and overwhelmed by the love and support of our family, friends, colleagues and community.
We’ll never be able to thank each and every person who supported us over the past year but I’m hoping that those who read this know just how much they have meant to us. The gift of their time away from their own families—as they prepared meals for ours, collected old school photos dating back to our boys’ preschool years, coordinated playdates, carpooled to soccer practices, shopped for us, replaced backpacks and school supplies, collected and donated clothes, gift cards and other essentials, replaced family photos we assumed were lost forever, provided doggie supplies for Macy and a safe, loving home for her as we transitioned, helped us find and move into a temporary “home” that felt warm and cozy and helped us as we worked to create a new normal—will forever be part of our memories during this difficult time. As our boys think back upon this event in their childhood, I have no doubt it will be far less traumatic of a memory thanks to the countless friends, teachers and parents who supported them.
Thanks again to everyone who has been with us this past year—we’re doing really well!
Much love,
Shirley, Ed, Finn, Addison and Macy Bergin