Needing to atone for the shame of not properly thanking everyone at the Eric Petranek fundraiser, I hope to publicly recognize the efforts of all who have touched our lives since that instant on March 25, high up a stormy Red Mountain Pass, when my sons Jeep went over the edge and tumbled 90 meters down into a couloir where it caught fire. The ensuing inferno burned Eric and destroyed virtually everything to do with the vehicle.
The story about Erics fundraiser June 10 is rife with characters, and I missed the perfect opportunity to articulate gratefulness for everyones care of him and our family during these healing times.
Tim Birchard and the Leadership La Plata committee produced a fun evening intended to raise money for medical bills. Thank you to contributors, planners, merchants, colleagues, friends, family members, Ska Brewing Co. and Zia Taqueria staff members, musicians, medical teams, affected travelers, local physicians and the thousand others who helped weave together a support system to see that Eric survives his fiery crash.
Every kind action tells him about your belief in his future. Hes a strong man who contributes much to our world, and he makes me proud to be his mom.
After Eric read his heartfelt essay at the fundraiser, I stepped to the microphone and thanked the eight groups of first responders who rescued my son from the chasm. Then for some reason, my brain closed up, and all remaining ideas evaporated, unspoken.
Those who know my daughter, Kerry, and her gift of speaking to crowds might be surprised I didnt do a better job. I am surprised, too, and hope this letter helps atone for my failure to communicate. If I could, I would return to the moment and have another run at it, but that cant happen.
Which leaves this forum to shout from the treetops my appreciation of each and every one of you who is helping and has helped Eric through his accident and recovery. Durango rocks!
Sue Petranek, Durango
