Remember the days after the 9-11 attack?
We all banded together. Neighbors helped neighbors.
Drivers were more courteous.
It was a refreshing change from the hustle-bustle world where 'me' usually comes first, last and always.
While Friday's storm in no way can be compared to a terrorist attack on our nation, its aftermath has had the same effect.
Courtesy is back. Although many stoplights are out - which normally would cause chaos to ensue - virtually everyone is doing as law enforcement suggests and is treating each intersection as a four-way stop.
We're taking turns. Having some consideration for the other guy.
Sure, there are a few jerks who still think they are the only ones on the road and the rest of us should get out of their way. But they are a small minority as we all band together to literally weather out the storm.
It's just another reminder that our lives can change in an instant. That the things we have taken for granted no longer may are available.
It makes us appreciate the simple things - like a hot shower, our morning coffee, and, especially, air conditioning.
Following the recent death of Rodney King, who became the face of the riots in Los Angeles, we constantly were reminded of his most famous words: "Can't we all get along?"
The answer is of course we can, but only if we desire to do so and make an effort to see that it happens.
It also makes even the local sports editor realize how insignificant sports is in the big scheme of everyday life.
While many of us use sports as an escape, deep down we realize it doesn't really matter who wins any sporting event, even though I would have a hard time convincing some die-hards of that fact.
Don't dare tell a West Virginia University fan it doesn't really matter if the Mountaineers win. If West Virginia loses, it sends the Mountain State into a depression.
If the Mountaineers win, it's a cause for statewide celebration, especially the burning of couches in Morgantown.
The newspaper staff is doing the best it can to keep our readers as informed as possible during a trying time.
We're dealing with the same issues professionally as we as personally. But we're dedicated souls who are determined to put out a product as good as it can be, even though given the circumstances it simply cannot live up to our normal daily standard.
I'm sure by this time next week when the power is back, the traffic lights are working and the store shelves are stocked, we'll be back to letting the other discourteous driver know he's No. 1 and worrying more about the results of a WVU sporting event than the weighty matter of the upcoming presidential election.
For now, I'm enjoying this kinder, gentler world.
