Up Front

Despite its beauty, our cover choice was hard again this month. The selection we had was fabulous, including the drone shot of the paddle out in honor of Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue hero Jeremy Owens [page 28]. The photo perfectly conveys the love of the community for Owens, who succumbed to suicide last year.

My family lost my closest brother to suicide two decades ago. Mental illness is very real. Before things spiral out of control and end in a tragedy that affects everyone in a family, circle of friends, and business associates — the ripple is endless — we must identify and provide help for those who are suffering. In many cases, it can start with a gentle conversation, how’s your head today?

Right now, anything peaceful and calm is uber attractive to me. One of the ways besides cooking that I can enjoy peace in a world swirling out of control is planting and tending my greenery, alas mostly succulents these last few years. Both activities allow my mind to check out and be totally absorbed in a healthy task.

This issue shares the tale of invasive plants we may have planted in our yards, with suggestions on how to uproot these harmful plants and replace them with friendly plants.

We have an off-the-chain Home of Distinction at Wrightsville Beach, and the story of Wilmington’s Erika Edwards and Kristi Ray, cofounders of Honey Head Films, who produce commercials, videos, documentaries and films all in-house. This is followed by the story of NCAA champion Coach Kim Crabbe, whose soccer outreach is making a difference for children in our community. Go ladies!

Thank you for all the messages and calls of support for my recovery from the injury to my wing assembly. I am progressing in PT (physical therapy) and am quite encouraged, I am about to fly high again.

Do enjoy this last official month of summer, while being a blessing to all!

Pat Bradford
Editor/Publisher