The widow of a man who murdered five Amish girls in their schoolhouse sent a letter to the Amish community thanking them for their compassion and support. Marie Roberts said she was "overwhelmed by the forgiveness, grace and mercy" shown to her family following the rampage on October 2, when her husband Charles killed himself and five others.

The devoutly Christian Amish families expressed their forgiveness of the shooter within hours of the tragedy and immediately set about to help Mrs. Roberts and her three young children, bringing them food and eventually setting up a fund at a local bank.

The mother and grandmother of Marian Fisher, one of the young victims, welcomed Mrs Roberts’ aunt into their home the day after the shootings, the local Lancaster newspaper reported on its website.

Mrs Roberts’ grandfather also attended Marian’s funeral. (BBC)

The mother and grandmother of Marian Fisher, one of the young victims, welcomed Mrs Roberts' aunt into their home the day after the shootings, the local Lancaster newspaper reported on its website.

Mrs Roberts' grandfather also attended Marian's funeral. (BBC)

In a letter from the Roberts family and addressed to Amish friends, neighbors and the local community, she shared their feelings of gratitude and aching:

"Your love for our family has helped to provide the healing we so desperately need. Gifts you've given have touched our hearts in a way no words can describe.

"Please know that our hearts have been broken by all that has happened. We are filled with sorrow for all of our Amish neighbors whom we have loved and continue to love.

"We know there are many hard days ahead for all the families who lost loved ones, and so we will continue to put our hope and trust in the God of all comfort, as we all seek to rebuild our lives.

"Your compassion has reached beyond our family, beyond our community, and is changing our world, and for this we sincerely thank you.