I left NH right out of High School and went in the military. It was 1989 and I was 18 years old. I moved back to NH just a little over 6 months ago. I now live in Milford. Just before Christmas, an 8 year old girl that went to Kindergarten and played soccer with my step-daughter Lauren had a terrible accident. Jaiden Tlapa was pulled into a snow blower. She was fighting for her life at Boston Children's Hospital. Yesterday, on the Ribbons For Jaiden blog at http://jaident.blogspot.com, it was announced that she lost her battle. It was a sad day for Milford and the rest of the world as well. You see, I first heard about what happened the next day from my wife. The word was spreading quickly through the "network of mom's". Everyone that heard about it was touched, even those who had never met Jaiden. Before I knew it, Ribbons were showing up in support. People were wearing them. They were on mailboxes, cars and even the Milford Fire Engines. Prayer vigils were held and well attended. Local businesses have signs up expressing their "prayers for Jaiden". Before long, fund raisers were started to help pay for the care. Just last Sunday, the Milford Fire Station held a waffle breakfast that served over 600 people and raised over $5000.
Jaiden's death is a tragedy. I start to tear up every time I see the picture of her playing soccer. But in the light of looking for something positive from her death, she brought this community together like I have never seen it. I'm proud to be part of a community that comes together like this. A community that is there to support their own, even if they don't know you personally. I'm happy to be back in NH. I'm happy to be home...
Update: You can see some picture of the waffle breakfast at http://fire.milfordnh.info/Recent%20Events.htm
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