A heartfelt thank you to community

TMy husband, Dave Grandt, (former lieutenant and Emergency Medical Services Coordinator for the Schaumburg Fire Dept.) and I were involved in a motorcycle accident on Aug. 2, 2007. We were on our way home from a wonderful trip to Nova Scotia, with our good friends, Dr. John and Marilyn Ortinau.

The accident resulted in my husband's death, and my having multiple traumatic injuries, involving a long recovery process. Had it not been for John and Marilyn's quick thinking and expertise, I am certain I would not have survived.

Throughout my recovery, we have had support, not only from the Ortinaus, but from so many people that I have been unable to thank until now.

My sons Scott and Todd, and I would like to extend our most sincere gratitude to our many wonderful neighbors and friends: Chief Dave Schumann and the Schaumburg Fire Dept. and their families; neighboring fire departments; the awesome staff members and families of Herbert Hoover School in Schaumburg and Anne Fox School in Hanover Park; the fabulous nurses of District 54; as well as the many other staff members of District 54; the manager and employees of the Outback Steakhouse in Schaumburg, Father George Kane and the parishioners of Church of the Holy Spirit in Schaumburg and St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Arlington Heights.

We wish to thank the many people who made delicious meals, sent incredibly generous gifts, made donations in Dave's name, prayed, visited, sent cards and flowers, and supported us in so many ways.

We were so touched by the initial outpouring of support, but found that as time went on, the support continued.

We are also so fortunate to have such a close extended family. We have found that though this has been an extremely difficult time, the kindness of others has made it that much easier to deal with.

We could never thank you enough for all that you have done. We feel privileged to be able to count you all as friends.

Christine Grandt

Hoffman Estates