Last week I received a letter in the mail here at the station.  As soon as I saw the return address, I eagerly tore open the envelope.

It was a copy of  "Along the Gooney," the Browntown Community Center Association Newsletter.  Written in margins of the text was a note from Tom and Jean Lacombe.  The note read something along the line of: "Hello, Katie.  We thought you might like to see this."

Inside was a picture of myself and the Lacombes standing in the couple's kitchen (in Browntown, of course).  The pic was taken on the day I did a story on the couple. 

It has been about a month since their story aired and I was so pleased to hear from the two of them. 

Jean Lacombe suffers from advanced breast cancer.  The story was less about the disease and more about Jean and Tom's triumph over the deadly prognosis.  The two of them have an absolutely lovely store in very quaint Browntown (I could be wrong, but I'd be willing to bet their store is the BIGGEST building in the community). They continue to run the store even as they commute on a regular basis to Winchester Medical Center. 

When I was there filming I noticed that there wasn't a person that walked through the door that Jean and Tom didn't know on a first name basis.  It's very clear that they are an integral part of the community.

Anyway, I've been reflecting over the last few weeks.  Hardly a day goes by that I don't think of the Lacombes.  What's so unique about this couple?  Cancer doesn't define them; the disease is merely just another facet of what makes them who they are. 

Jean is a former school teacher, a grandmother and an avid walker.  Tom is an author (I'm on chapter six of his book "Light Ruck").  They're an inspiration, because, yes, they've battled through cancer.  However, I really think they're great people because of ALL the other stuff.  I've always wanted the patience and creativity to sit down and pen a book.  I've always admired teachers; their job is truly thankless.  Walking is something I wish I had the motivation do more.  And, Lord knows, owning your own business can be trying.

I appreciate the Lacombes for their perseverance in the face of calamity, but I ADMIRE Jean and Tom for the people they are and will be AFTER cancer.