Dear Editor,
I arrived into the hands of a city that had never seen me nor
heard of my name, yet I was embraced.
Dear Editor,
I arrived into the hands of a city that had never seen me nor heard of my name, yet I was embraced. I left my surroundings that I had known for more than 20 years. It was time for a change. So I boarded a bus and I left southern California to come to northern California. I arrived in the city of Gilroy without family or friends. I made a decision, a life-altering decision, to begin anew. Why Gilroy I have been asked. I love garlic, and yes I really do. But much more importantly what I have read and researched about the city of Gilroy, I felt I could re-establish my life, and Gilroy would be a good place to do just that.
Coming into the city seeing the lush green mountains really took my breath away. I had never experienced such beauty, nature in its glory, and the landscaping of country living so much appealed to my spirit. The sky so blue and pretty – God’s art work is fantastic. Since that day I stepped foot off the bus and landed at the Gilroy downtown train station not knowing where I would go or what I would do next I had questions. Where is the nearest motel? How often do the busses run? Where is City Hall? And so on.
And for each answer to my question came with it a smile – the people of Gilroy had opened up their hearts to me. I was a stranger in a new place and the support, the help and the resources that I have received throughout my days trying to establish myself has been overwhelming. I have met so many kind and caring people in Gilroy. It truly touches my heart.
I would like to say thank you to all those that I have gotten to know, and thank you to all those that have just crossed my path. I feel good about my move to Gilroy, and my future hope is to grow with the city and have the opportunity to give back. Thank you, Gilroy.
Vera Allen, Gilroy
