Hurricane Matthew hit Cuba, Haiti and other islands in the Caribbean, as well as the coast of the United States last week, bringing intense winds and flood waters to Florida, Georgia, also South and North Carolinas. Even though my town did not endure the devastating effects of hurricane Matthew, I still can't help but think about all of the people who lost their homes and belongings, and for some even their loved ones. I couldn't imagine having to start over after something like that.

Despite this natural disaster, I would like to share something that I am so very thankful for--my husband, and many other selfless men like himself. He works as a firefighter/EMT here in western North Carolina. For him, it is not just a job, it is his passion. He was born to serve others. He recently got a call that he would be deployed to the coast of North Carolina to aid in swift water rescues due to the impending storm. Of course, I felt worried because he would be going into a potentially dangerous situation, but more than that, I was proud of him. He and many others went to prepare before the storm hit. Afterward, they went into terribly flooded areas to help others in need. They gave up rest and many days with their families to save lives.

It is such a blessing that there are people in the world who are willing to sacrifice so much to give another person the chance to live. Amazing people like this are true heroes. Thank you all for your service, hard work and dedication. I'm blessed to call my hero my husband!