Young mom makes impact in final days
Think what you will about Facebook and social media in general, I've benefited greatly over the last four or five years in connecting with the community. In this busy world, it's been an efficient and enjoyable means to keep in touch with people whose paths I might cross infrequently right here where we live. But never before have I experienced the genuine blessings of this real time connection and village of people.
On Dec. 17 a post was made on a Facebook page, CDA Crazy Love. The page was created by Kelly Cottier and inspired by her attendance at a church study group of Francis Chan's Crazy Love book. The post was simple and humble and made in the early morning. It read, "My name is Ashlee and I'm posting here because I'm currently in the ICU. I just recently had a baby and was told I have congestive heart failure. Please pray for me to get better. I'm only 24."
In the days and weeks that followed, those words have had a profound impact on hundreds of strangers, or better described as people who live here but just have not yet met. When Ashlee was transferred from KMC to Sacred Heart, people rallied and prayed and read to Ashlee in the hospital. They cared for her 5-year-old son and infant daughter, befriended her overwhelmed fiance, provided meals for the family. Even as her condition worsened Ashlee continued to make occasional posts on Facebook from the ICU and the level of love and compassion and generosity of the heart knew no bounds.
Ashlee Littell passed away late Sunday afternoon but not before changing the lives of so many who sought to lift her up with prayer. She was only 24. She'll never know what a gift she gave by reaching out in her darkest hour and allowing the community to share her journey. A journey we were all hoping and praying would have a different outcome but one that blessed us all beyond words.
* To contribute to Ashlee's funeral expenses and to help meet the children's immediate needs, go to any local Bank of America referencing Ashlee's Angels or online at www.youcaring.com/memorial-fundraiser/Ashlee-s-Angels/39448.
Candace "Candie" George Conradi grew up in Coeur d'Alene, spending her formative years in a matriarchal family of entrepreneurs ... her mother Jackie George, aunt Lolly Wheeler and grandmother Anna McIntyre owning the iconic Rathskeller Inn on Sherman Avenue. Rathskeller's opened in 1962 and for anyone of a certain age in Coeur d'Alene back then, Rathskellers was THE hangout. Part of the business was a pizza restaurant and the other side was a tavern that featured live music; the best bands in the Northwest performed there.
Rathskellers closed in 1982 and Candace has been gone from this area for over four decades, living in the San Diego area where she's an author and motivational speaker. She contacted me recently about a project she's taking on, which is a manuscript based on Rathskellers. So I invite any Main Street readers with memories and recollections of the iconic business or the enterprising women who owned it to contact Candace at candaceconradi@gmail.com. No worries, the statute of limitations has expired for any youthful indiscretions. :)
Don Jacklin has traveled all over the world for sport hunting and on Saturday in Reno was honored at the Ovis Hunter and Outfitter Convention with the coveted Triple Slam Award, which is based on a criteria that includes sheep from seven continents, including the Ibex. I'll have to take his daughter, Gayle, up on the invitation to see Don's trophies at his Riverbend Commerce Park offices.
Happy Birthday today to Kenny Peterson, Anita Millward, Shelly Robson, Kelly Blaski, Charlie Kimball, Mary Mort, Nick Dimico, Bill Miller and Elaine Cook and on Friday to Travis Chaney, Mike Webb, BJ Holinka, Amanda Kralicek, Dustin Peacock and Nina Tikalsky. On Saturday Austin Isakson, Wade McLean, Gavin Krieg, Ryan Brodwater, Terry Drapeau and Johnna Wells blow out their candles. Bob Short is Sunday's birthday boy and Nicole Jones and Mary Crosby will celebrate on Monday. On Tuesday Eric English, Angie Phillips, Analisa Raynor, Nora Horn, Glen Abbott and Peggy Brothers are putting on the party hats.
Kerri Rankin Thoreson is a member of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists and the former publisher of the Post Falls Tribune. She was voted Best Local Writer for 2012 by the readers of the North Idaho Business Journal. Main Street appears every Wednesday in The Press and Kerri is on the air Mondays and Wednesdays on 1080 ESPN AM (KVNI). Find her on Facebook or via email mainstreet@cdapress.com.