Dear Editor:
I have been feeling compelled to write to you to express how thankful I am to have the neighbours I do.
We may not all socialize together, many keep to themselves or come and go out the back to the alley where their cars are parked . we get together every so often for block parties, some of us know each other just by a wave and smile.
But, when the unthinkable happened on our street, my neighbours were the first to respond and do everything possible to help and be there for support.
My next door neighbours, the family beside the house that burned, were heroic in their efforts to help.
They called 911 and then did everything possible to try and get access to the house.
The young man was a hero in my eyes, I was there and witnessed as he tried several times to get into the house but was continually pushed back by the thick smoke.
He was devastated as the events unfolded once the firefighters were on the scene and I really want him to know that we all know he did the very best he could.
One neighbour came to say prayers for the victim, others were there to offer hugs and hold hands.
Sometimes it takes the very worst to bring out the very best and I know that I would not want to be living anywhere else but on my street.
We may not know each other by first name but we have each other's backs and that is a really comforting thought in good times and in the very worst of times.
Danielle Connelly, New Westminster
