On November 14, 2013, fire all but destroyed the residence of the editor of this newspaper and threatened to destroy the Eccentric's offices and the equipment necessary to publish the paper.

A friend, the mother of a friend and former employee of Mello Out was driving by late that night and noticed that our roof was on fire.

Had she not stopped, many of us living on the corner of route 50 and Zulla Road may well not have awakened from a sound sleep. Indeed, none of us might be here.

The response of the Middleburg Fire Department was both swift and outstanding.

With flames still rising, smoke everywhere, water already beginning to cascade into every nook and cranny, and people and pets still not sure exactly what was happening they made sure everyone was out and safe. Then they asked, "What shall we save first?" and went inside to save it.

You are reading this because, in our case, they saved our computers.

They were soon joined by fire fighters from companies all around Middleburg.

The Middleburg PD took control of traffic and local security and made us feel safe and secure during a long and stressful night.

We kept watch over our open office and home and slept, at least for a while, in our car with our dog.

We never felt alone, because we never really were alone. Police patrols regularly made their u-turns just west of us and made sure we saw them watching over us.

In the days that followed a parade of friends, new and old, offered us food, clothes, support and shelter.

This may not have been the happiest of Thanksgivings . . . but, for us, it has been a Thanksgiving most real.

For all those whose sense of duty, honor, selflessness, courage, generosity and true friendship have been extended to us, we are truly truly thankful.

It's good to be part of this extraordinary community . . . and to both know and experience the true meaning of Thanksgiving.