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I so appreciate those of you who take the time each week to read this column. It was created out of love for my husband Billy, who has since passed, but it is also a continuing tribute not only to him but all veterans who have served and sacrificed for our nation.

Sometimes you may read Gig Line and think, “gee . . . can she ever talk about anything besides Billy?” My answer to that question would be no. I will praise the kind of man he was until my last breath, but I do want to include and address assorted topics as I have tried over the last nine years that are of interest and or concern to veterans and their family members. And as usual, I invite you all to call or email me if there is a topic you are particularly interested in or would like to see addressed.

I am not an expert on anything. What I am, though, is a conservative politically, spiritually and a woman who believes in true love that lasts a lifetime. I share my faith on a regular basis because I cannot imagine life without God to talk to, to lean on to ask comfort from, to ask His blessings for good health, safety and happiness for my children, grandchildren and friends. To pray to for the sick, lonely, broken hearted and for those who feel there is no hope. To ask forgiveness from for my downfalls and mistakes in life. To thank Him for the people who love me and pray for me when I’m ailing or missing Billy so terribly. To thank Him for answered prayers and for His Almighty ear that is bombarded by all of us whose needs are great asking for this or asking for that. For His bringing my husband and I together through tragic circumstances. For the loving, good and protective parents He blessed me with. For all the times when literally out of the blue He let me know He is as alive as the rest of us, that He hears us, that He loves us. For giving us opportunities to meet others we can help in some way. And for those who have no faith in God or who just can’t imagine that He exists, I pray for them, I pray for their children or those they influence not to believe and that some day they will realize that having the Lord in your heart and at your side in your darkest hour is critical for peace and happiness.

And when I say, “I love you,” I truly do. Whether I know you or not, I care about you. I care about whether you’re sick or hurting or struggling. I care if you have lost your spouse, a child or a parent and that your heart is in a million pieces. I know that love is the greatest gift and God blessed me abundantly with a love for people many years ago and I am thankful. I thank Him, too, for Gig Line and I hope that somebody someday will read it and know that if they feel alone that they are not. We all experience so much of the same joys and struggles in life and we need each other.

Since last week’s column, a sweet lady named Diane called me, but I missed her call. Her message went into voicemail, where she noted that she reads Gig Line and wanted to let me know that when I wrote about donating things to Dare Challenge that some folks might take their clothing items to drop off there only to realize they no longer accept clothing to resell. She said it was her understanding it was because of COVID-19. When I returned her call, I remembered that I had suggested we clean out our closets and storage areas and discard things we no longer use and that I suggested Dare Challenge (or other thrift stores) however, I didn’t distinguish as clearly as I should have about the clothing items. Out of her kindness and concern for others, she wanted to save people the trouble of taking clothing donations there only to find out they no longer process them. I so appreciated her bringing that to my attention. Dare Challenge does accept furniture, decor and a large array of items, but in retrospect, it might be a good idea since she brought it up to call them or whatever thrift store you might want to help support with your donations, to ascertain what items you can drop off and/or what they will pick up from your home. So again, I thank you Diane! Your bringing that to my attention could save everyone a trouble at some point in time!

Just today, I met with a veteran to issue his Dare County Veteran Discount Card (we used to call it I.D. Card). It was such a joy to shake his hand, to thank him for his service and to hear about his life. All veterans are interesting and all veterans matter!

If you are a veteran who is a resident or property owner (even absentee property owner) in Dare County, you have your DD-214 showing your separation from U.S. Military Service was under honorable conditions, you can also acquire your free Discount Card. Please contact either myself by cell: 252-202-2058 or email: giglineheroes@aol.com or contact our Veteran Service Officer Patty O’Sullivan at office number 252-475-5604 or email her at www.dcvac@darenc.com to make an appointment to meet either of us to get one.

Please don’t forget about Grief Share that I discussed in last week’s column. It starts January 13. Call me for more info if you’d like. I promise it will be worth your time.

Until next time, love each other, look for the good in others and pray for our country and our deployed troops (especially) and their families. I love you all and I’ll be praying for you. Pray for me, too, if you will. God bless you. Stay tuned!

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