Always thankful for Jasper's giving spirit

W ITH TIME, some of the memories of just one short year ago begin to dim if

ever so slightly. In that

period since the historic experience of Huricane Rita, there have been many positive developments. It is those events that are foremost in the minds of Jasper Countians and East Texans as the nature of humans is to dwell more on what's at hand than what is past.

While area residents who exerienced Rita are not likely to ever forget it, those subsequent events that move us forward after the unprecedented devastation provide a positive mood that assists in advancing the area through a "down" time.

A year ago, East Texans were giving thanks for surviving the storm and its devastation. Rita is still fresh enough on every mind to keep that thankfulness near

the top of a Thanksgiving list. But much has happened in the year subsequent to Rita to lengthen the list of blessings.

The past 14 months necessarily produced much in the way of rebuilding, repairing and refurbishing in the Rita aftermath. From that came a significant retail boom that has bolstered the economic well-being of Jasper and Jasper County.

Blessings subsequent to the storm embrace and emphasize something that is truly definitive of Jasperites - an irrespressible bent toward survival and the wits and tools to do so, plus an unshakeable determination to help and comfort those in dire need.

That Jasper-East Texas spirit can always be at the top, or at least always near there, on any list of thanksgiving in the season or at any other time. It defines this area's residents.

Let us be thankful.