How do you say "thank you" to a town? This little town of Camden epitomizes what people can be to each other and our hearts will forever be grateful. Our precious daughter Lanie, only 43 years old, died unexpectedly last week. It has been the hardest week of our lives, but made so much more bearable by the many hands and hearts that reached out to us, her two girls, and her brother. We had friends and family who came from far places and we were blessed by offers of vehicles, housing and airport pickups. Food was brought to our door daily. Many came to grieve with us, laugh with us even in our tears, and sing Karaoke - a favorite pastime of our daughter. She had only lived here 12 years but you opened your arms to her and she claimed this town as her beloved home.

The generosity of so many in this town of Camden was beyond what we could understand, at times. The sensitivity and warmth extended to us by her friends, her employer and his staff, and the people who tenderly tended to her last remains is something we will treasure forever.

We, her parents, can see why Lanie loved you all so much and wanted to raise her children here. We cannot express adequately the thankfulness we feel that this love was reciprocated and extended to us, her family and friends from here and afar.

Camden, you are what a town should strive for. Thank you for the example you have given to us of loving, caring people who hurt when others hurt and who reach out to comfort and assure. You are special.

Maxine and Frank Kandt live in Tucson, Ariz.