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It is important to acknowledge the precious innocent lives that were taken September 11th 20 years ago, to remember them, to give them honor as well as to their loved ones and the survivors of that horrible day. We all remember exactly what we were doing on that day when the world stood still and we all cried together. Personally, having seen the news footage over and over again through the years, I still find myself watching it again – and crying again –God bless those who were there in the midst of it, those who could barely walk or run out of fear, trauma, desperation to find co-workers and survivors they knew. Dear Lord – it had to be incredibly horrible.

I was at work in my office at my desk when I heard it. My daughter Bonnie and a friend were somewhere in the sky on their way to a business conference. Though her Daddy and I tried repeatedly to reach her cell phone, it wasn’t connecting. Was she on one of those flights? I prayed not. It was late afternoon when my cell rang, her voice on the other end was a blessing. Thank our Lord she was okay. If you remember, all flights were canceled that day and those waiting to depart or anticipating a loved one’s arrival were on hold. Everybody was scrambling to get cell phone signals and the terminal pay phones had lines a mile long. Everyone was trying to find temporary lodging, but all the rooms were taken in the general area and taxis were as scarce as hen’s teeth. After standing in a long, line she was finally able to use a pay phone. There were no taxis or hotel/motel rooms available. The atmosphere was extremely chaotic and frightening to everybody, but she was alive. She was okay and after hearing her sweet voice, I cried out loud with gratitude.

When I sit down and write Gig Line, I typically talk to the Lord and pray His guidance in what translates from my brain onto paper. Sensitive to other’s feelings and opinions, I consider that some of you may see things totally different than me; that you may not view the matter of faith in the way I do; that you may be on opposite sides of politics; that you may see law enforcement, the military, homelessness, abortion and Covid-19 from challenging points of view. And I can live with that. What I do hope is that folks with positions contrary to mine be well informed about the topic they defend, that they are up to date with current affairs and that they argue their point with an open mind.

As much good as there still is in this world, life has taken a turn drastically. We aren’t strangers to diversity or differences and there has always been challenges, drama, hardships and quandaries of all magnitudes, but stop for just a second and consider what emotion drives almost everything nowadays: it’s fear.

Our military and law enforcement have got to have our support and priority in all things, in view of the fact one of our predominant enemies now has a huge assortment of our expensive first-class military equipment in their possession is unreal. Please everybody, read, listen, and pay attention to the everyday changes we are facing.

Life is precious. All lives are precious and despite what some say and want the masses to believe, our love for each other – black, brown, white and all others – we help each other more than we hurt each other, we are neighbors and friends, many of us are like family. We are not all haters, we are not ignorant and shame on those of us who are gullible and soak it up and not discern the truth.

We live in the most awesome country on this planet. We are kind, loving people who care about the sick, the poor, the challenged and we have a gazillion dreams and aspirations to see come to fruition. Please stand up for our flag, our Constitution, our foundation and yes, even though many unfortunately downplay our nation’s greatness, ask yourselves why so many have flocked to the U.S. to see their dreams come true and their hard work pay off.

If you are a veteran or family member and you know a veteran in need of help,  please let me know (252-202-2058 text or call), email: giglineheroes@aol.com or contact Patty O’Sullivan, Dare County Veteran Service Officer at 252-475-5604 or email: dcvac@darenc.com. She’s an outstanding source to help determine if you may have a V.A. claim or entitlement that you might be due. While she can’t determine the outcome of your submission of a claim, she’ll do her very best to help submit the claim, request for a duplicate DD-214 and answer important questions.

Until next time. Be healthy, safe and happy. I have faith that we will come back to loving each other more regardless of race or politics or financial status in life. The Gospel of Mark 3:25 tells us “And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” God bless our heroes: active-duty troops and veterans, law enforcement, First Responders and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to help those affected by recent floods, earthquakes, tornados and victims of fire. I love you all whether I know you or not. If you get a chance, check out giglineheroes.com. Stay tuned!

FOR MORE COLUMNS AND LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, CHECK OUT OUR OPINION SECTION HERE.