Hats off to Greenville, Alabama and Butler County.

I had always heard what a tightly knit community you were.

Only recently was I given the chance to see first hand just how strong your bond was.

In a period of two days I watched on as the people of Greenville and Butler County put forth two enormous gestures of friendship and unity.

First, on Saturday there was an impressive turnout for the St. Patrick's Day Benefit Bash.

This party was to help Reuben Burkett Jr. and his family in their battle with the high costs of cancer treatment.

People flocked to the Butler County Fairgrounds to do their part to help before, during and after the party.

Renny McNaughton and Lakota along with Eleven kept people moving through the gates all night.

From what I understand a great deal of money was collected at the gate as well as through t-shirt sales and the silent auction.

Everyone had a great time, but most importantly everyone was willing to take the time to help.

This event alone showed me just how much you cared for each other.

The next day, this would be proven even further.

On Sunday, I was asked to go to the Golden home to take a picture of a circle of prayer that would be formed around the house.

What I saw when I arrived exceeded all of my expectations.

I saw people from all different backgrounds that normally may not spend a great deal of time together united to help their fellow man.

The turnout was so great that the circle had to be expanded quite a bit just to fit everyone in.

There was never a question of why the people were there.

A Butler County resident needed their help and they were glad to lend a hand.

These two events continue to show me how very lucky I am to have landed in Greenville, Alabama.

No one helped because they wanted recognition. No one helped because they would benefit.

These citizens showed up because it was the right thing to do.

I have even heard people say that leading up to both of these events they had noticed people being nicer to each other.

That is small town living and that is why I love this lifestyle so much.

There is no problem we can't overcome.

There are no hard times that we can't work through provided we all work together.

The people of Butler County have proven themselves more than willing to do just that.

I think that everyone who attended these events realized that we all have far more friends than we ever knew.

We are all very fortunate to live in a place where there are no strangers when help is needed.

Keep this in mind the next time you are faced with a problem and feel alone.

There is always someone willing to lend a helping ear or hand to work through the hard times.

Rick Couch may be reached at

383-9302, ext. 132 or

via email at rick. couch@greenvilleadvocate.com.