You’ve probably heard it a thousand times. The old adage, “The best things in life are free,” meaning things we take for granted – love, family and companionship – are frequently overlooked, but deep down the most important things in our lives.

We’ve seen it applied to the tsunami in the Philippines and the hurricane in New Jersey.

But here, over the last few days, the adage has never been more appropriate and applicable. For the second time in less than a month, Beaufort County has been shrewdly reminded that possessions are, in fact, just possessions. Luckily, no lives were lost in the county, once again. Like a little girl gripping a teddy bear, Beaufort County managed to hold on to the most important thing, its people. It’s the people who make Washington and the surrounding area so unique, and it’s the people who have come together in a time of need to help one another.

For example, a woman on Whichards Beach Road in Chocowinity, whose house was one of the few still standing after an EF-3 tornado ripped through the area, cooked dinner for those whose houses were not.

Down on Main Street, one of Washington’s most iconic institutions, provided food to the Salvation Army so those in need not only received a meal, but a quality meal.

The neighborhood surrounding First Christian Church, a building engulfed by a raging fire earlier this week, supplied water and food to the firemen who spend hours fighting the blaze. And the next day? People were sifting through the rubble, helping pull out significant items. Luke Ainsworth, a senior at Washington High School, could be found lifting a plaque recognizing past Eagle Scouts who have helped with the church.

In the face of tragedy, Washington’s true character was exposed, character worthy of recognition.