'Trish would kiss every one of you'

Patricia Finnerty's sister is overwhelmed and humbled by the outpouring of support the community has shown her family.

Jennifer Murphy Cazares said she is deeply appreciative of all the help friends and neighbors have provided since Tuesday morning, when she lost her sister and best friend, her nephew, Garrett, and her brother-in-law, Kevin.

"I want to say thank you, thank you, from the bottom of my heart," she said Thursday. "Trish would kiss every one of you."

The homemade cards from the students at South Middle School and Westgate Elementary School really cheered up Bridgit and Pierce Finnerty, Patricia's 12- and 6-year-olds who survived the fire.

Cazares also thanked the neighbor who found the family's Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Flora Dora, after the fire. The dog is now happily reunited with the children.

"We all burst into tears when we saw him and said, 'Small miracles. Small miracles,'" she said.

"I am so blessed to live here and to have grown up in a community like this."