Thank you for the possibilities.

Don Knotts passed away this week. Every memorial to him that I read, and I read several, they buried the fact that Knotts was born in Morgantown, WV and attended West Virginia University. In a career that covered the unforgettable Barney Fife to the irrepressable Mr. Limpet, his hometown was not a dominant theme.

To see the streets named after him in Morgantown or watch his work on television, Don Knotts is a clear example of what I treasure in this world. Coming from simple upbringing in West Virginia his life is filled with hardwork, determination and humility towards what he did and how he shared it with the world.

I am inspired by those people who let their actions shine through. I try to emulate those people who act and then try to share whatever they have with people who need to see the opportunities and possibilities ahead.

In seventh grade history class, we studied all the great West Virginians and the famous ones as well. Don Knotts was both - fighting in WWII and shining on broadway, the big screen and the little one too. Our state may have a short list of famous celebrities, but Knotts made an even shorter list of celebrities worth admiration.

Thank you.

j.brown