I've been a resident of Carthage since 1991. I am a former employee of Pinelake Health and Rehabilitation where I worked for six years. I am now with St. Joseph of the Pines where we were all touched, deeply disturbed and saddened by what occurred at Pinelake.

My love and prayers go to the employees and the families of all the residents. Everyone in that building needs our continued support.

I also extend my appreciation to my employer, St. Joseph of the Pines, which was not only very speedy in locking down our facility to ensure the safety of our own staff and residents, but also took immediate steps to help us deal with our grief and reach out to our sisters and brothers at Pinelake.

St. Joseph tried to show its compassion and immediately sent roses to the facility and then placed a floral arrangement in our own chapels where memorial candles burn in remembrance of those lost in the tragedy.

Guestbooks for expressing our thoughts and prayers to the staff at Pinelake are in the chapels on all St. Joseph campuses. They will be taken to Pinelake.

I am proud to be part of a facility that not only reaches out to its staff in times of need but also is willing to reach out to our sister facility with counseling and compassion.

Pinelake and my town of Carthage are in our thoughts and prayers as we band together in this stressful time.

Valerie Dattilo

Carthage