It was 47 years before Butler County was founded that “the shot” narrowly missed George Washington, one of several close calls our first president survived during his life.

But the shot that echoed through what is now western Butler County on Dec. 27, 1753, was more than just a lucky moment for the young military officer from Virginia on a mission in the tense days before the French and Indian War. Because “the shot” missed, the world was changed forever.

“Without him and his personality and ability, I don’t think the U.S. would have survived and I think we would have a bunch of little independent states,” retired county Judge Martin O’Brien said last month.

“The shot” rightfully earned its place in Butler County history, but it’s also a teachable moment of how luck and circumstances can save lives and give people second chances.

In 1753 there was little to indicate that George Washington would eventually have an impact on our nation. At the time, he was just a man who was desperately trying to rise above his station in life.

But because “the shot” missed, Washington had the opportunity to gain the knowledge, military skills and experiences that would eventually help to solidify his place in American history.

We think about the example of second chances that is epitomized by “the shot” when we consider some of the troubled people in our own community who desperately need a second chance.

As 2018 drew to a close, we saw a big drop in overdose deaths in Butler County that was credited to a combination of initiatives that included local support groups, the wide availability of Narcan and community education initiatives.

Second chances are part of what we celebrate as one year turns to the next, and they’re certainly part of what makes America a great nation. We like comeback stories because they are about people overcoming odds, growing and being fueled by a passion to get better.

We’re not saying that someone who has struggled with addiction and was saved by the timely use of Narcan is a future George Washington who will one day help to shape the entire nation and the world. We’re saying that when we lose people to whatever “shot” is threatening them, we don’t really know what they could have done if their lives had turned out differently.

That’s one of the reasons why Butler County correctly responded to the opioid epidemic with such an aggressive, multi-pronged approach. That’s why those efforts are still in place despite 2018’s decline in overdose deaths.

History teaches us that the lesson of “the shot” in 1753 is one of hope for the future and second chances. As we settle into 2019, it’s our hope that those facing their own challenges will not be consumed by them but will find a way to write their own history.