Hello September!  I’m glad you are here!  The only things I remember from August are rain and mosquitos.

September is Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month.  According to the CDC, there were more than 50,000 suicide related deaths in 2023.  The Veteran’s Administration said that 22 Veterans per day take their own life.  These are alarming statistics.   Please read Katie Steve’s poem, “My Plea,”  to see suicide from another view — those who are left behind.

Along with the tragedy of suicide is the pain of those who disappear and are never seen again.  David Hume, relates the story of university students from a small town in Mexico who travel to a Mexico City to protest a corrupt government and are gone “Without A Trace,” never to be seen again.

But, Bill Cavenaugh’s story, “Pickled Protest on Park Place,” shows us that sometimes protesting can be a positive thing!

Maryann Nunnally makes us laugh with her story about “Senior Citizen Romance.”  You never know how that person you met and thought was annoying might change your perspective.   Speaking of senior citizens, my advice, “Don’t Fall When You Are Old,” takes you through my positive physical therapy experience.  Who knew Dr. Google could be wrong?

Dan Neizmik, entertains us with “Sallye’s Song,” while Janet Stiegler relates, “if you are happy all of the time, there’s something wrong with you,”  in her story, “The Myth of Happiness.”

We are a bit light on the Teen Scene side this month.  School is getting back underway and our writers will be back to entertain and enlighten us very soon.  In the meantime, Nancy Bryans suggests that we “Be the Artist,” while I suggest you take some of my grandson’s ideas for when you go, “Off To College.”

Our partners at William Clark College offer up two thoughts, “What Makes Us Old Enough?”  and “Reading is Magic!”  As always they give us a new perspective to consider.

I hope you enjoy this issue and have a safe September.

Jan Morgan-Swegle, Editor, Cape Fear Voices