Charlotte, NC

For most folks in the area (and, obviously, throughout the nation), Thanksgiving was a day for turkey (or ham, for you pacifists), mashed potatoes and home-cooked green beans, pumpkin pie, football, snoozing, and time for family (not necessarily in that order, by the way).
But it also held a bit of sadness … and a lot of thankfulness:

Y’see, earlier this year, one of my favorite people passed away, far too early in my opinion. And, on November 22, Dink Griffin — firefighter, former National Guardsman, fisherman, friend — would have turned 65. He was legally called my “brother-in-law” … but, to me, Dick and Steve, he was our brother in spirit and walk. A man who was fiercely devoted to the cause we call America and equally to the Pineville Volunteer Fire Department, he was always ready with a smile, a relaxing “it’s-gonna-be-all-right” attitude, and a homespun wit that could put anyone at ease. He and Mary brought forth three of the finest people that Pineville, Charlotte — or anywhere — would know; as their parents were, these three (Susan, Dina and Billy) were highly involved with the firefighters (Billy, in fact, became chief of the Pineville VFD, and a captain in the Charlotte contingent. Both “Bubba” and Paul — Susan and Dina’s husbands respectively — have also been with the fire department).
On the 27th, Dink and Mary would’ve been married 40years — no small feat in this day and age!
And, brother, I miss you …

But it brings me to something else: We, as Charlotteans (or those of the area) and nationally, need to give special thanks for all firefighters, no matter where they’re located! These men and women — many of them volunteers — fully realize that, every time that siren goes off, they’ve gotta hustle to an emergency situation … and know that it’s possible they may not come directly home afterwards. They may end up in a hospital with burns themselves, or broken bones, heat stroke, smoke inhalation or any number of other reasons.
If they come back at all: Sometimes, the worst can happen. From rescue attempts at the World Trade Center to trying to control terrible, raging fires in California, many have already given their most precious possession — their lives — so that others may live or, at least, be safe.
Their job is often thankless; people get perturbed if they hear a fire truck’s siren behind them on South Boulevard. They see a house on Davidson St. on fire and think that “just some water hosed on it” will be enough — not knowing that, if a child is inside the building, the firemen are the ones to rescue him or her. A car on fire may look like an easy job to many — but these brave souls know there’s a gas tank that could explode, and they have to control the fire immediately, without putting one of them … or an entire block … in danger. Whatever the situation, there’s one absolute: They’ve never been known to retreat!
They’re also among the very first to give back to the community, whether it’s with a fish-fry or barbecue, fishing tournament or other event for the public’s enjoyment.
So, to these men and women, I say THANK YOU for all you do, and all that you are. You’re among the finest examples of courage this country has to offer!

Well, that’s it for now …