That some mighty special people inhabit the great state of Georgia became clear to us 14 years ago when my niece, Kelly, married a Georgia boy, Patrick Jones of Athens.

Until Hurricane Ike, however, we had no idea Georgia was home to so many remarkable people. It was Georgia Power and Light that showed up almost before the wind had stopped blowing, and with breathtaking speed -- thanks to 16-hour days -- turned the lights back on all across our island.

I had the great pleasure of meeting a few of these men face-to-face as they toiled night and day to help get our restaurant and hotel back in business, Personal thanks go to Charlie McQueen and his 24-man work gang, especially Greg Hudgins. They were committed to restoring our power regardless of complications that arose from damage to the transmission equipment.

We will never forget what the men of Georgia Power and Light did for us Texans. It doesn't end there, however. In rebuilding our restaurant I ordered some fire sprinkler parts from Swift Fire Protection in Elberton. Unbelievably, when it came time to take my credit card information and billing address, Merrill Franklin learned we were residents of Galveston Island and said, "I will send the parts to you with tomorrow's mail, but I can't accept your money."

Even as I write these lines this totally unexpected act of compassion and generosity clouds my eyes and puts a lump in my throat. When you are down as we are, you just don't expect such help from a total stranger.

What is it with you Georgians? All my life I have proudly considered myself a son of the South, but no more so than the last four weeks.

On behalf of all of us who inhabit our island, I send each of you our heartfelt thanks and profound admiration. We will never forget what you did for us.