Joanne Michalski

6/28/2013

Hyde Park loves Austin and his family.
I am a Hyde Parker and the mother of a 24 year old U of C graduate.
I am also one of the huggers on the Tuesday before Austin was found - not only was I in tears when I saw Gregg in the Kimbark Plaza parking lot but so was the woman from the local news station.
The email we received about Austin being missing struck a chord with me - I have a bright son who is curious - we love hiking in Colorado and my son and husband usually go on one hike that I am too chicken to go on - I usually am on pins and needles waiting for them to get home safely.
The love shown by this family during their search and the wonderful pictures makes us all want to hold our loved ones closely.
When I saw the Thank You Hyde Park posters, I was almost in tears at first but these last few days, they have filled me with joy. I don't believe in a higher power but the love of this family is the highest power.
Rest in peace Austin, Hyde Park loves you and your family.

2 Comments

Gregg LaPore

6/28/2013 12:38:58 pm

Joanne - I remember you quite well. I was standing behind all the media trucks and focused on my breathing so I'd be calm on camera. You came around the truck with your arms open and told me how you had a son just like mine and you hugged me and told me you'd praying for me. After you left, I knew I would be fine. Thank you for helping me that morning. - Gregg

7/4/2013 09:31:57 am

Hi Gregg,
Thanks for your reply, glad I helped in a very small way. None of us cane possibly understand what you are going through. You probably know about he Beadle Residence but just in case you don't - it' right around the corner from us, a good place for people coming for the memorial. And we have a spare bedroom (not good for people who can't handle stairs), we are in the townhouses just south of the Plaza - might sound strange, but we would put up 2 guests for the memorial in Chicago if needed,. I treasurer my 24 year old U of C grad student each day, he was a Classics major but a lot like your son.

Joanne Michalski

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