Before the fire that destroyed much of our home on Mill Road last week, my wife Lisa and I were used to commenting at least weekly to one another how much we loved Harvard and how wonderful a town this was. We had no idea that we could ever feel that connection even more strongly, nor could we have imagined the compassion, generosity, thoughtfulness, prayers, and support of which we’ve been the recipients over the past week. We have been moved to tears over and over again by kind gestures large and small, from dear friends to members of the community we had never met. We are so incredibly grateful for this outpouring of support, without which we would have been completely at a loss for how to function.
Just five hours after the firefighters left the scene, our four children were in school with new clothes and were greeted by teachers and administrators who had already thought through how to best care for them. Neighbors quickly rallied to take us into their homes and to organize the collection of clothes, food, and other necessities. To the children’s delight, by the time they came home from school, a few of their favorite toys had been purchased and delivered to us. We have received cards and donations from countless people and feel so blessed by everyone, at least as much for the gesture of support and care as for the help these gifts will provide to getting back on our feet as quickly as possible.
From the bottom of our hearts, we would like to thank everyone from the firefighters and first responders who came to our rescue in the middle of the night to the countless people across the community who have shown us such tremendous love and support. We are deeply humbled and know we may never be able to return many of these kind acts, but we are more than ever committed to this amazing community here in Harvard.
Julien and Lisa Bradley
Mill Road
