I had a very inspiring set of moments on Sunday. I attended the memorial service in honor of Grace Elizabeth Esposito who we lost far too early in life, a mere 16 months after her miracle birth. I was part of a huge outpouring of love from hundreds of caring people. It was truly an inspiring tribute to a girl who made a huge difference to many at Golisano Childrens Hospital. With tears in my eyes, I was amazed by the grace, class and dignity displayed by her parents, the wonderful Jennifer Johnson and husband Vinnie Esposito. In their grief, they spoke with clarity and eloquence about their youngest daughter who bravely fought odds to grace us with her presence for too short a time in life. We all sat in awe of Jenn and Vin as they spoke from the heart, their pride and love on full display. I hope to be as strong as they are when life throws you a curve. I actually left the service feeling uplifted, as compared to normal feelings of loss. That's how special Jennifer, Vinnie and Grace are. Young Avery Esposito has much to be proud of today.
I also attended a fundraiser presented by the Webster Police Dept. Sunday afternoon for the family of fallen hero Lt. Mike Chipparini. We all are well aware of what happened along the shoreline of Lake Ontario on 12/24/12. "Chip" died doing a volunteer job that he loved, leaving a young family in sorrow. His beautiful wife Kim was on hand Sunday at the pasta fundraiser and like Jennifer, showed amazing strength and dignity while she still mourns the loss of her husband. I was proud to be a very small part of an event that so many people cared enough about to help raise over $10,000. That's alot of pasta, and more importantly, tremendous love for a family who will never be forgotten.
One of Chip's brothers in the WWFD fire service who was injured on that fateful Christmas Eve morn Joe Hofstetter continues his recovery and has issued this statement. I hope it inspires you as much as I was inspired by Jennifer, Vinnie, Kim and Chip this weekend:
No words can adequately express our family's gratitude for the outpouring of support, encouragement and generosity we've received from the community. Everyone's prayers and selfless gestures have carried us through a very challenging time. You have all made a very special and everlasting impact on our lives.
This community should be proud of the way everyone rallied during an intense time of need, and we are humbled and honored to be part of it.
Our hearts remain heavy with sorrow for the loss of two beloved friends, Chip and Tomasz. They were both incredible firefighters, and even better men. We will always remember them, and our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to their families.
With sincere appreciation and gratitude,
Joe Hofstetter and family
No words can adequately express our family's gratitude for the outpouring of support, encouragement and generosity we've received from the community. Everyone's prayers and selfless gestures have carried us through a very challenging time. You have all made a very special and everlasting impact on our lives.
This community should be proud of the way everyone rallied during an intense time of need, and we are humbled and honored to be part of it.
Our hearts remain heavy with sorrow for the loss of two beloved friends, Chip and Tomasz. They were both incredible firefighters, and even better men. We will always remember them, and our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to their families.
With sincere appreciation and gratitude,
Joe Hofstetter and family
In memory of Grace Esposito, Jennifer and Vinnie have requested you to make a donation at this link:
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