Letter to the community of St. John

Recently Peter Alter allowed me to do a fundraiser for the college scholarship portion of 8 Tuff Miles and the response that I received from the small business community was phenomenal. Even in this economically recessionary environment people were donating.  

It just goes to show how loving a small community can be during critical times. People who are potentially going out of business, and actually have, gave money to the fund. It was a humbling lesson to me, a middle-aged man, how people can think of others as their own life isn't going so well. Unselfishness is what I saw and I believe this what makes St. John strong. 

I moved to the island three and a half years ago and learned that St. John is a close-knit community. It will hold somebody accountable for their behavior and ultimately humble them if they are to survive. 

Two years ago I thought I was "doomed" to live out my days on the island because I had nowhere else to go. Now, after a trial by fire, I feel that it's an honor and a privilege to live in such a beautiful part of the world and be part of its community. 

The people of the island have taught me valuable lessons about myself, not only about giving, but also concerning right living. Constant interaction with the same people day in and day out, be it employers or just acquaintances, mirrors my behavior back to me and forces me to change. That's the greatest gift St. John has ever given to me and I want to extend a deep, heart-felt feeing of gratitude to its residents. 

Very Sincerely, 

Ted Kelliher