In every well-written novel, there are characters from different walks of life. There are the holy rollers, laborers, military personnel, peasants and politicians. Each of these characters has a personality that makes him or her unique. Interestingly enough, that is exactly how I have come to see the world.

Before Sept. 11, 2001, I saw this world as I was taught to see this world. I saw the different roles we humans filled and the emotions to which we are prone. But I never quite saw the fantastic novel of which we are a part. Witnessing the attacks that day on television, just two short months after having been discharged from the Marine Corps, forever changed the way in which I see the world.

We are all a part of this novel. Some are villain, some are savior, and some are a combination of the two. Of course, there are some whom you’d never suspect would belong to either of those groups. Those people are just good at hiding the fact that they do.

I guess what I’m saying is that there has not been a day since Sept. 11 when I do not see the magnificence that is life here on Earth. Forevermore, I have been humbled to the greatness of the world.

Thank you, every one of you with whom I have been lucky enough to share a moment during these past years, and welcome to those of you with whom I have yet to.

Jamie Beaulieu, Jay