The Greatest Man I Never Knew

Opinion

I initially visited the barn-raising site to see how I could help only to find out how they could help me. There wasn’t any great revelation that explains how and why these people do what they do. I just stopped and wondered why all these volunteers sacrificed and came to Ellijay, Georgia to make a difference in lives of people they had never met. Case in point: Jeff Parness. I had talked to him a little about New York Says Thank You and later reviewed additional info on the foundation. That gave me a technical understanding of how it all works. I then began trying to explain what was on its way to Ellijay to friends, family and acquaintances throughout Gilmer, Pickens and Fannin counties. I still didn’t really get it.

Then I became involved in planning and coordinating the event; which gave me a new perspective of how it all works and how much is truly involved in the projects. My personal excitement began to build in anticipation of all of the visitors headed to Gilmer County! My excitement grew more thinking about The National 9/11 Flag coming to Gilmer County and how the weekend was in honor of Army 1st Lt. Noah Harris and his, “I do what I can,” philosophy. How so many could have an opportunity to be part of American History! I still didn’t really get it.Some of the first people I had the privilege to meet and be around were Charlie & Holly Vitchers, Bob Lotspeich (also known as Bob the builder) and the extremely lovely Mrs. Lotspeich, Roadie (Charlie’s dog), Jim Fox, Tim Sullivan, Wes and Mason Adkins, then I meet Brian Fitzpatrick, Jimmy Sands, and Jemal and I could go on and on. The enormity of the hearts of these people is unimaginable. As I talk to and learn about each and every one I am able to spend time with and gain a better grasp of what is truly happening I think hmmm maybe I’m starting to get it.

The kick-off dinner came around and all the locals are saying, “Welcome to Ellijay, Georgia” . I am surrounded by new and old friends whom I love so much. All day, I have been waiting because I know The National 9/11 Flag is on the way. I didn’t know exactly how it would arrive or what we would do but nevertheless I knew in my heart “the Flag is on the way!” and I had spent time getting to know the man, Charlie Vitchers, that had picked it up and understood what our American flag represents! I didn’t know I would be able to touch the Flag, stand around it with tears streaming down my face with so many other wonderful Americans and listen to Jimmy Sands give us the instructions and information on this most wonderful American flag! I thought to myself – I’m really getting it and I can’t believe I am here – how blessed I am!

Then comes my greatest revelation! The greatest man I never knew gave me a hug today. He expressed something from so deep inside, so enormous words could not convey. He looked me in the eye and I looked him in the eye and I knew at that moment every truth became evident in my heart. People talk about American spirit and “paying it forward,” but if you combine that with loving your fellow American and wrap the emotion of happy, sad, ecstatic, fear, pain, excitement, loss, turmoil, and gut-wrenching heartache … then combine those emotions with traits like honor, mercy, bravery, trustworthy, character, dependability, reliability and heartfelt helpfulness … then, and only then, do you have a tiny insight to the force that turns the wheels of the New York Says Thank You Foundation. A tiny spark of the happiness and relief and healing that comes with the gathering of this group! God Bless America and God Bless these men and women that will be a part of me forever! I finally got it and nobody can take it away from me!

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