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  Connie Mettler November 9, 2012 at 10:31am

  Here is the letter the Roses sent out to their exhibitors:

  Dear Past and Present Rose Squared Exhibitor:

  Where do we begin to thank so many of you for your support. We truly could not have gotten through these last ten days without the kind and understanding emails you have been sending. The offers to come help, the pride of being a part of what we promote, and the heartfelt condolences have touched us in a way we can't begin to express.

  As all of you know, this past week in the Northeast has been hellish for many with the repercussions of superstorm Sandy. It left many homeless or with horrendous damage. Many, many communities will never be the same.

  It left us, our friends, and family in New Jersey and New York without power and with tree damage. Some of my family members on Long Island suffered the loss of the contents and walls of the lower floors of their homes. My sister remains without power and they have no idea when it will be restored.

  We had quite the superstorm in our lives with Howard's mom passing away October 30th, planning a funeral without power, keeping up with the necessary work on the show throughout this time, and then ultimately getting word on Monday morning that the National Guard Colonel was canceling the show.

  I wish I had a photograph or video of the four Roses; us with our son, Jonathan, and daughter-in-law, Rachael, all in our PJs, sitting around my sister-in-law's kitchen table Monday morning, brainstorming text and making lists of whom to contact and in what order to get the word out quickly and efficiently about the cancellation of the show.

  What is so difficult to fathom is that a year's worth of work was deflated by the four of us in two and a half hours.

  The opening paragraph of this "end of the year" email was supposed to be how fortunate we were that the weather universe was kind to all four of our Essex County outdoor events. We had hoped to add something similar about the Westfield weekend as well - the best laid plans of mice and men!!

  We were fortunate that the number of participating exhibitors this year was higher than last year and the quality better than ever. The huge hit we are taking after refunding the entire booth fee to the Westfield exhibitors will be helped financially in a small way and emotionally in a big way with the success of the other four Rose Squared shows.

  We are so very disappointed for the loss of income the Westfield exhibitors are experiencing and for the loss of funds we would have raised by donating the gate to the Red Cross. It is all a poignant reminder of the lack of control life presents.

  We have always chosen, and will continue to choose, to treat all of you with respect and concern. The relationships we have developed over thirty-one years in this business has sustained us through two very tough personal and professional weeks.

  We will miss seeing our exhibitor family this weekend, but hopefully we will see some of you as we visit shows from now until the April Westfield show. If you think there is a show we shouldn't miss, please drop us an email and let us know the location and date. As many of you know, we do travel to find quality exhibitors.

  Stay warm, stay safe, and have a successful holiday season.

  Wishing the best to you and your family and hoping that 2013 brings a stronger economy and good health to one and all. - - Howard and Janet
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  Howard Rose November 7, 2012 at 2:45pm

  Sharon, thank you for the kind words and thoughts. They touched me deeply. Howard
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  sharon m. donovan November 7, 2012 at 12:06pm

  Let's all think about sending a ticket fee (or larger!) donation to the Red Cross, in memory of Howard's mom, folks. Seems like this family has had a double batch of tough times all at once. Hope your life is easier soon.
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  Janet Rose November 6, 2012 at 1:09pm

  By the way, the condolences were not for cancelling the show. Howard's mother passed away last Tuesday during the storm.

  We had a true superstorm in our lives with his mom's death, the storm, and our loss of power until late last night while preparing for the upcoming Armory show.

  We were so very disappointed since we know how important the show was to our exhibitors' income as well as the funds we had hoped to raise by donating 100% of the gate to the Red Cross efforts on behalf of the storm victims.

  We will miss our exhibitor family this weekend and the support and hugs they would have showered on us. We know how fortunate we are to have such wonderful people in our lives. Their notes of support yesterday will get us through these next weeks and the next storm coming our way tomorrow.