The seasons of change are upon us. Here in the northeast, leaves are exploding in vibrant color combinations, the air has turned crisp, the clouds and sky seem refreshed with new vigor. Yes, fall has arrived. We dust off the bikes, ride with the kids on a back road or along the rivers and paths. It is truly fantastic each and every year when Autumn shows up.  

 For the rest of the country change is also happening, though not necessarily in the same fashion.  

Recently a freakish hurricane reached from the Gulf of Mexico to the Appalachian Mountains, causing devastation on an apocalyptic scale. An estimated 40 trillion gallons of water fell on already saturated ground causing catastrophic floods, destroying towns, lives and livelihoods. There was no way to anticipate or protect your home or property from such a surprise. The change thrust upon those in the path of the hurricane was ugly. Change can be like that—unpredictable. What happened in Georgia, the Carolinas, Florida and other states, even with early warnings found there was no escaping the fury of Mother Nature. In the areas where hurricanes are common, many lives were saved because of early evacuations. This highlights that we have some control with some change through our actions, but in reality, very little in the big picture. Change is simply a part of life—the good and the bad are part of the conditions of living.   

Living life on life’s terms is the challenge. When you get punched in the face, as the South did, the questions are what now, what next, what to do.   

“Devastation opens the heart.”

I always wonder how people can reach down, find the strength, and fortitude to help others, get on a plane and volunteer, put their lives on hold for people they don’t even know. They just know it’s the right thing to do. They look for nothing, yet they deliver everything. Forget money, if you will—the human spirit of good just seems to rise to the occasion.  Sometimes it seems like a balancing act of life. The ugly reveals the good.

How can we not believe that this spirit is contagious? These acts of kindness are priceless to families staring at their memories, house, belongings and dreams in a pile before them. It’s obvious to me is that there is a connection, an energy flow. Giving up can seem rational, yet the human touch inspires us to go on, rebuild, rise to the challenges, take it one day at a time, etc. Although the task at hand might feel and look like climbing a mountain with toothpicks as stilts, we move forward, inspired by each other.    

Despite all the help, donations, air lifts, and necessities that flow in to help put some of the pieces back together, it is still the beliefs, spirit, people, community, and faith that drives our lives to new heights.  

I urge you to reach out and touch someone’s heart, be kind. On behalf of our staff, we want to wish the best to all that have been affected. Our prayers are with you. To the doers, the volunteers, the organizations that contribute to our fellow humans and countrymen and women—Thank You!

In peace and love,

Joe and Asta Dunne, Publishers