Recently our family found itself on the wrong side of a story on the evening news. Our home was severely damaged by fire, "Sunday fire badly damages East Lyme home," (July 14).

We are so grateful to the first responders: the Niantic, Flanders and Old Saybrook fire companies who fought the blaze and the East Lyme Fire Marshal's Office, whose counsel guided us through a difficult process.

To our family, friends, and neighbors: your kindness, compassion and generosity has been truly overwhelming and served as a clear reminder of how lucky we are to live in such a caring community. We are forever indebted.

Our gratitude goes out to all who helped.