We held our after-dinner meeting today to talk about James' fundraising dinner from last Tuesday to talk about what went well, what could have gone better, and what we may have forgotten. One of the main reasons for the meeting though was to say thanks. Many of those who helped with the planning for this dinner have been with us since January 15, 2011, and a big part of this journey and all that has been accomplished in keeping James' legacy alive. James used to tell Tammy, "Mom, I make all of your friends." Funny how that has not changed. I could list all of those names, several who we knew before James went missing, but I'm sure I would miss somebody. One name I did want to mention though is Barbara Grondahl. Barbara runs the show at Ocean Pond, and was on her vacation when all of the events took place on January 15th. She turned around and came back that evening, and orchestrated (with the help of several key individuals) an almost around the clock support effort for the dive teams, volunteers, law enforcement, and our family and friends. She organized meals and volunteers and served over 5000 meals during the 17 day search for James. Most important to us, she was a rock upon who we could depend. She looked out for us, ensured we met each of the dive teams, ushered us out each night to ensure we got some rest, and assured us as we left with the words, "Don't worry. I'm watching for him." A few days after James' service, Barbara wrote the following letter to the Valdosta Daily Times. She's one more friend James made for us, and we're so glad she's part of our life. Thanks to you Barbara for the love and friendship you've shown us.
On the Inside Looking Out
Written by Barbara Grondahl, Manager of Ocean Pond
Published in February 9, 2011 Valdosta Daily Times
Manager of Ocean Pond, I was privileged to observe first hand 24/7, the search and recovery of James Eunice and wish to comment on this amazing time in our county. Ocean Pond and its members, without a flich, turned the house and grounds over the family and response team not knowing if this would take hours, days, weeks, even months.
I wondered how I grew to love a child I never met. I soon learned from his family, friends, teachers and church family it was because he had such a boundless capacity to love everyone and this energy and spirit were passed on to all involved. James’ parents and family lived through this two plus weeks with such graciousness and strength of conviction, they at times became the comforters to others.
Their church, CrossPointe, the pastor and his wife stepped in first to provide for the family and shortly saw the need to care for responders who quickly created a small army of volunteers. Their action was like a water drop hitting the pond and the rippling effect it caused. Soon other churches and organizations stepped in to help.
Volunteers and donations, the ripple effect became a tsunami. Oceans of soups, mountains of biscuits, every breakfast casserole recipe ever invented was served. Pork pulled, shredded, diced and sliced showed up in trucks and even still on the grill towed behind a truck. From someone making a pie or a batch of cookies to restaurants bringing added equipment, all played an important role giving the responders more time to work. Volunteers so many, I could not begin to remember hundreds of names. As days went on, they did get nicknames, Scrambler, the Cracker, French Toast King, Michael Jackson, PW, Dealer, Country Western Family. All ages, all types, all worked non-stop. Jennifer Simmons “Scrounger,” I still smile in amazement how she found people to bring in supplies day and night all in about 12 minutes. They all pulled together to set up an organization in days that usually takes weeks or months to run smoothly.
Mostly, I will be amazed and never forget our rescue and recovery leaders and workers. I am not capable of writing to explain how hard they worked and dedicated they were. Sheriff Chris Prine and Ashley Tye led quite a team that worked as one with other agencies like Moody Air Force Base, state police plus fire and rescue that a moment was not wasted. You would be overwhelmed at the number of search and rescue volunteer teams that paid their own way to come in from other counties and states.
We had every type of weather possible those two-plus weeks and we watched workers come in soaked, shivering and bone tired and not one complaint was ever uttered by one of them. The best of the best live among us each day.
On the morning James was found, I smiled fondly as I remember the officers watching over the family like Papa Grizzlies. Clearing the house and grounds in about 37 seconds so the family can have have private time together. It was a wonderful caring final moment. These weeks had a profound effect on me and I believe scores of others. I hope the momentum will stay when our county faces another event. We will be there as volunteers with soup, bananas, cookies, water and barbecue plus a “thank you” to every worker.
Ocean Pond is again quiet. The birds and wildlife are back; even the grounds seemed to sigh in relief.
I will always remember James Eunice and his capacity to love the world and what he gave to us.