Quote:
(05/24 20:55:54) Cate Alexander: I will be making a brief statement at the library in five minutes.
(05/24 20:59:07) Cate Alexander: I will not be taking questions at this time.
(05/24 20:59:59) Cate Alexander: This week has been full of tragedy.
(05/24 21:00:39) Cate Alexander: Our wounds are deep, and our scars will never completely heal.
(05/24 21:01:09) Cate Alexander: I cannot comprehend the loss that Michael is feeling now,
(05/24 21:01:33) Cate Alexander: but our hearts are with him and I trust that he will return when he is ready.
(05/24 21:01:49) Cate Alexander: There is much that we do not know...
(05/24 21:02:43) Cate Alexander: But we do know that the restoration we have committed to will fail if we do not overcome our sorrows and conquer our fears.
(05/24 21:02:59) Cate Alexander: There is much we cannot control...
(05/24 21:03:24) Cate Alexander: But we will continue to hold on to those things which we can.
(05/24 21:03:42) Cate Alexander: And so, we will keep moving forward.
(05/24 21:04:11) Cate Alexander: Many have dedicated their lives to this restoration effort,
(05/24 21:05:03) Cate Alexander: and to give up now would be a grevious offense..
(05/24 21:06:15) Cate Alexander: to the memories of all who lost their lives here and an insult
(05/24 21:06:35) Cate Alexander: to those of us who continue to work toward a restored cavern.
(05/24 21:07:07) Cate Alexander: With that in mind, I have made the decision that Minkata will be released on schedule tonight.
(05/24 21:07:35) Cate Alexander: We will reverently celebrate its opening as we honor the events of this week.
(05/24 21:08:02) Cate Alexander: How appropriate that the word "minkata" means "heavily scarred".
(05/24 21:08:29) Cate Alexander: May the scars of Minkata be a constant memorial of all we have lost.
(05/24 21:08:49) Cate Alexander: Thank you for your attention.
That best explains why the "party" is still going forward.