Lockport Union-Sun & Journal — Once again we have seen a community rise to the occasion in the face of adversity.
Last week’s propane explosion that claimed the life of a 14-year-old and forever changed the lives of the surviving members of the Johnson family, their relatives and friends could have been forever recorded as a terrible moment, end of story. But the community of Wilson would have none of that.
Instead, the community’s response was instantaneous, and the outpouring of love and support that we have witnessed in the days since that awful moment has ensured several chapters to this story that point toward a tale of strength, perseverance and dedication.
The packed bleachers at the high school stadium. Fundraisers, from car washes to bottle drives to a jar placed at the counter of a local store. Temporary shelter provided for the family. A restaurant donating a portion of sales to the family.
Every example puts on display for everyone to see that this is truly a community that cares and rallies to help a neighbor.
It’s heartwarming to see, but at the same time a little unfortunate that it takes a tragedy to elicit such generosity. Still, we’re thankful for it.
What happened to Sarah Johnson and her family is incomprehensible and it’s almost impossible to try to make sense of it. The randomness of life’s sudden changes remains a mystery.
What isn’t a mystery is the deluge of assistance from Wilson and the rest of Niagara County. It’s expected around here when someone is faced with an awful circumstance.
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