Tragedy and adversity can bring out the best in people. This was quite apparent when my business was lost to fire this past Tuesday evening at Fetter's Meat Market in Milton.

The efforts of Milton Fire Chief Sam Shaffer and every one of the dedicated volunteer firefighters who responded were outstanding and deserve more than my heart-felt thanks.

To all my employees, friends, customers and family who have worked so hard since the fire or stopped to offer help or consolation, you have picked me up when I was down and given me optimism for the future.

A special thanks to "Butch" Fisher, Dave Lilley and Lisa and Bobby Stokes for their timely help. Although the building is basically a total loss, efforts are already under way to rebuild and, God willing, we will open again in a few months to again serve the valley.

Joseph Snavely,

Milton

n Snavely is owner of Fetter's Meat Market.