The Family Of Madison Lewis Says Thanks To The Community

The family of Madison Lewis, , asked Patch to run this thank-you message. Her parents are Chuck and "Charlie" (Charlotte) Lewis.

Dear Friends of the Lewis Family,

'Charlie' and Chuck's parents, brothers and sisters would like to take a moment to thank your community for not only being a nice place to live but in the truer sense a member of our sibling's family.  As many of you know, our niece/granddaughter, Madison Minor Lewis, was tragically killed in a car accident at college.  While their grief has been almost unbearable to witness with no apparent light in the near future, we are in awe of your community. 

As Charlie and Chuck's extended families gathered to support the Lewis household in the darkest hour which any parent will ever experience, we have been privileged to witness a miracle of phenomenal proportions in your community. 

The 'Decatur Family' has desperately locked arms around this couple and their young children in their time of grief; as they prepared to bury their daughter and sister.   Saying thank you does not adequately express the deep gratitude which we have observed from your random acts of kindness.

Throughout the days following Madison's death, we have witnessed a continuous stream of selfless acts from various individuals, and not one person asked to be acknowledged during this time of sorrow.   The endless flow of visitors, which exceeded well over 1,300 members of your community, was followed by the caring comfort of Charlie's colleagues and students from the Torah Day School in their home.  This outpouring of concern only partially speaks to the depth of genuine concern so obviously present in Decatur.  We also saw tremendous support from many individuals associated with the children's schools, teams, neighbors, and friends; it has sincerely been very humbling.

We wish we could thank each of you individually for standing guard over and around Charlie and Chuck Lewis and their children during these truly gut wrenching times.  You will never know the depth of appreciation which our family has for the unique character in which Decatur has compassionately demonstrated to the Lewis family.

Charlie and Chuck want to convey their deepest appreciation of your acts of love in reaching out to them.  Your acts of grace and kindness are very real reflections of the Hand of God on their family and your community.   They would simply ask you squeeze each of your children just a little tighter when you hug them tonight.

Sincerely,

Charlie's and Chuck's family