By Terra Avilla
In June, our community lost one of the good ones. Paul Moore was not just someone people knew. He was someone people counted on. Through church, softball, football, Super 8, and so many everyday moments, he was part of what made this place what it is.
And when we lost him, it was felt everywhere.
But none more than by Meegan.
Those first days were a whirlwind. I had the privilege of being close to her, and if I am honest, it also hurt my heart. She is grieving the love of her life, her biggest support, the person she did everything alongside.
And in the middle of that, this community showed up.
Within minutes of her need being shared, people responded. Messages, donations, meals, offers to help, people offering to watch Atlas, even offers to fix her car. It came fast and it came from everywhere. She thanked Pastor Robbins for showing up at the hospital.
She kept saying to me, “Terra… I can’t. I can’t thank these people enough.”
And I told her she doesn’t have to. Not a single person donated, baked, showed up, because they were expecting a handwritten card from her telling them how much she appreciates them.
Taking care of herself right now is enough. Because of the life Paul lived, it is our privilege to take care of her.
But she has asked me to try anyway, to say thank you on her behalf.
So from Meegan:
Thank you to every single person who reached out, prayed, texted, stopped by, or simply thought of her. You carried her in ways you may never fully understand.
Thank you to those who gave financially…I can assure she cried at every envelope, every card, every donation. You gave her breathing room when everything felt heavy.
Thank you to our church family, who stepped in and carried so much from hosting the celebration of life to the meals, the details, and the moments in between.
To Heather and Katie Marsh for leading so much of that behind the scenes, to Amber Lynn for coordinating the beverages, the hearts at Anytime Fitness, to Pastor Robbins for showing up when it mattered. Pastor Floyd and Pastor Conrad for leading the service with such care and strength, and to Randy Robbins for the beautiful music. Thank you.
To all the men who loved Paul who stood up and spoke so well at the service—thank you for honoring Paul the way you did.
To our softball and football communities, you showed up strong, and it mattered.
To the Ellenas, who loved Paul for decades, and to her incredible in-laws, thank you for surrounding her with steady, unwavering love. To Beth and Alan Murray, Jill Robbins, Jason Adams, Shamrelle, your big hearts and the time you dedicated to me… there truly are no words.
And to Caleb… who is just a kid and yet has stepped up in ways no child ever should have to- You are your dad’s greatest joy. To the dozens of others… please know she sees you, and she felt your love.
