Editor, Gazette-Journal:

A wonderful thing happened last Friday night at the Harry Ward Auditorium. The occasion was the induction of the first class to enter the Mathews High School Sports Hall of Fame. It was necessary because there were a lot of years to make up for since inductees stretched back to the 1940s, and that is what made the occasion so special. Aside from honoring the inductees it was a time to reminisce, to consider the past fondly.

A school of thought says we should not dwell upon the past, but there are times when we might do well to do so. Friday night was like that. For a precious short time there were no politics and divisiveness; just people enjoying each other’s company. There were lots of hugs, handshakes and belly laughs, and I think I am safe in saying no one cared about anything other than the pleasure we took in being with each other again. Years melted away as fellowship and friendship conquered all. Boy, does this county, not to mention this countr...