IRONWOOD: Look what it is now

Little did I imagine that I would be “back for parts” when we platted the Ironwood area for Idaho Forest Industries several decades ago. The entire area south of the freeway between Lincoln Way and Northwest Boulevard was almost nothing but open fields, scrub pine and gravel pits. Today it is one of the most important areas in North Idaho, providing services that help us continue to enjoy our little piece of paradise.

After finally admitting to myself that too many elk hind quarters and backpacking trips had indeed taken their toll, I returned to Ironwood. After enlisting the guidance of Family Medicine Cd’A Residency, the checks of Heart Clinics Northwest, and the expertise of the Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine Clinic, I entered Kootenai Health last Tuesday. The expert care that I received from the staff at that facility was appreciated to say the least; the organization of the entire operation, not only during the procedure but also both pre and post, was impressive. Unbelievably, just the next day a volunteer wheeled me out with my new hip to the big smiles of my waiting family.

Where have all the scrub pine gone? Longtime passing. We are indeed truly blessed!

GARY A. FRAME

Coeur d’Alene