Hi:
My name is Lisa Cole and I am from Gander. I just read the comment you posted on the guestbook (www.thankstogander.de) marking the one year anniversary of this tragedy. I did not volunteer during that time, even though I wanted to, I was on my way out of the province to go to my sisters wedding.

However the events affected me very much, and all I could do was write the following poem about how the passengers must have felt waiting on the tarmac that day.

I am very proud of my community and the people of Newfoundland and I hope, as you do, that people all over the world learn something about the goodness that still exists. And I also hope, people extend the kindness they witnessed to their everyday lives. I hope the poem captures how you and all the other passengers felt.

All the Best,
Lisa

Newfoundland Spirit

Staring towards the silent sky
Far from places we wanted to be
We stepped into the lives of strangers
And saw a different side of humanity.

In an unknown land with unknown faces
We were accepted with compassion and love.
We didn’t know then, but we know now
They were angels sent from above.

The welcoming faces with friendly smiles
Were waiting on our every need
Giving so much more than we expected
We thought it was too good to believe.

We discovered a beautiful spirit there
Rare and genuine in every way.
Magical souls in a magical land
Helping us through each day.

Words can never do justice
To describe the people we met
We were blessed with a precious gift
One we will never forget.

Staring towards a quiet town
Headed to places we were supposed to be
We left the homes of newly made friends
With a renewed faith in humanity.

Lisa Cole
December 2001