I wanted to take a moment to thank and compliment our community for their abundance of love, compassion and support.

As everyone knows, our family has experienced back-to-back tragedies.

With the sudden loss of my husband, Simon Clarke, the outpouring of love and support for my children, Denvir, Haley, Ben and myself far exceeded our expectations. The warmth, caring, assistance and constant reassurance has helped us to cope with the sadness we are experiencing.

With the recent loss of Haley, our family was again devastated. Our community as a whole rallied together with the full force of support and showed us the power of love. We have been so completely humbled and grateful. Each and every phone call, note, flower, comment, etc., has made a tremendous difference in our lives. It has helped us to have hope, realize we are not alone and know there are others who care.

There are so many people in our community that deserve to be thanked personally for their tireless effort to be a cornerstone for our family. I wanted to list each individual person who has been here for us but was afraid that due to the emotional state of this situation that someone would have been left out. Due to the number of wonderful people in our lives, this list would take up an entire page in this paper.

There are some people involved who I feel need to be recognized, some of which are not in our personal circle.

My darling daughter, Denvir, I can't express the amount of love I have for you. Your tireless strength during the passing of your father was my rock of support. Your dedication and determination to give Haley every chance to be here with us only shows the enormous amount of love you both shared. I am so very proud of everything you have done to honor your father and sister.

Lucas, your incredible love and support for Denvir and our family has not gone unnoticed. Thank you for being the strength and love you are.

Ben, you went from a boy to a man right before my eyes, in one day. Your constant show of understanding and support for us as a family even as you were grieving has not gone unnoticed. You personally gave your strength to your father to give him every opportunity to continue to be here with us. You have experienced some of the worst events in a person's life with the loss of your father and sister, and still show great love and understanding. I am proud of you.

Brianna, you have shown a maturity much greater than your years dictate. Your ability to organize, jump in and love is stunning. Thank you for being you.

To her friends who were there with Haley during this event. I know you were tireless in your efforts to keep her here with us. Please hold in mind all of the fun you had that day prior to this situation, know in your hearts of hearts that you are all amazing. Don't let this event shadow any of the good memories you all shared, and don't carry this with sadness but know you were loved enough to share this day with her.

The nurse who coordinated Haley's CPR that day, we are eternally grateful. Your willingness to jump right in to save the life of another only shows your compassion and dedication to your caring profession.

It is with great gratitude we acknowledge the La Plata Search & Rescue, Durango Fire Protection District and San Juan County Sheriff's Department for their continued strenuous effort to rescue and keep our community safe. You are not recognized or appreciated enough for your valiant efforts. We appreciate that you put your lives in danger to save ours on a daily basis. To see each of you at Haley's memorial Saturday only made my heart swell. I appreciated the ability to personally thank each of you. There are no words to express how paramount your decision to be in this profession affects others.

Serious Texas Bar-B-Q, what could I possibly say? During a time of unexpected tragedy, you were right there to lend help and support in providing any and all the assistance we needed to honor Haley. Our family is so grateful for your love and support during a much needed time.

At a time when we were unable to comprehend one moment from the next, Haley's closest and dearest friends stepped in and filled the shoes we were unable to wear. Writing and reading the eulogy, organizing the event, setting up and decorating the venue, writing and printing the flyers, contacting and organizing anything and everything. You all showed how wonderful each and every one of you are. While you were grieving for someone you loved, you astonished us with your devotion, tenderness and kindness.

My friends who have shown up daily to check on us since these losses have taken over our lives, I am eternally indebted. No words can express how important each call or visit has been. Making sure our pantries were stocked and our hearts were cared for is a thankless job but each of you have gone far and beyond.

Though the list goes on and on, all I can say is that I am proud to live in this community. We have lived all over the world, and there is no place we have been which compares to here. There is no better place to be or better people to know.

The Clarke family thanks you from the very bottom of our hearts to the tops of our mountains.

Tica Clarke

Bayfield