Gratitude, empathy for one's fellow man

For decades through this column or in magazine and newspaper features I've told the stories of people in our community, in their best of times and worst of times. As do all storytellers, we observe. Sometimes when something happens to people I know but outside the public eye, the stories aren't mine to tell. It's impossible not to be affected just the same.

Such a story unfolded this week and I was reminded how important it is to be empathetic to those around us. We never know what someone is going through and the burdens they're bearing at any given moment in time. At the stoplight next to us, in a grocery store aisle or waiting on customers in the local cafe. I'm grateful for family, friends, public safety officers - for the strength of our communities. Even a bad day can be made better by simply pausing to be grateful.

He threw more touchdowns than Joe Namath. His completion percentage is higher than that of Johnny Unitas. His quarterback rating is higher than Terry Bradshaw's. He has more completions than Sonny Jurgensen. And he has more career passing yards than Bart Starr, Bob Griese, Len Dawson and Roger Staubach in addition to being the 1970 National Football League's Most Valuable Player. Amazingly Katie Brodie's big brother, John Brodie has yet to be included in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Katie and her husband, Pete attended a San Francisco Chamber of Commerce event last week for the announcement of John's nomination to the Hall of Fame. Also attending were many of the 49ers players from back in John's playing days, Mayor Willie Brown and the owner of the 49ers. John Brodie is now 79 and if all goes well he'll be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016. Even diehard Seahawks fans can support the nomination by voting at sfchamber.com.

On Thursday at the annual Post Falls Community Picnic at Q'emiln Park in the Lions Grand Pavilion, come have a barbecue dinner with the Post Falls Community Volunteers and dance to Kelly Hughes and his band. Great night to celebrate summer.

Hauser Daze is on Saturday and there will be a full day of fun in the sun by the lake: Parade, car show, live music, watermelon eating contest, cake walk, sack races, fishing derby and more - bring the family!

Coeur d'Alene High School Class of '65 will hold its 50th reunion on Sept. 18 and have a reservation deadline of Aug. 21. Contact Corky Meyer, (208) 691-0202 or [email protected].

Happy birthday today to Doris Weaver, Dave Holinka, Kristin Kilmer, Jonathan Thomas Burnett (60!), Danna Ziegler and tomorrow to Tracey Fouche`, George Evjen (75!), Brenda Smith, Rick Marshall, James Fulton, Shirleen Jacobs, Christine Maiani, Kelli Aiken, Tom Wood, Lyle Ekness and baseball legend Don Larsen.

On Friday, Bill Kinder, Cindi Wimmer, Greg Delavan, Bob Nonini, Billie Collins and Dan Dahl (70!) are putting on their party hats. Celebrating on 8/8 are Roberta Larsen, Sara Meyer, Jodi Anderson,Eli Yates, Kent Means, Virginia Griggs, Jim Hollingsworth, Jennifer Bokma and Patty Collins.

Aug. 9 birthdays belong to Anne Anderson, Terry Morris, Jack Havens, Kyle Patterson and Christian Strailman.

Jeff Grundon shares an Aug. 10 birthday with Caryl Johnston, Sydney Sales, Jeremy Morris, Chelsea Cordova and John Hammon. Tuesday birthday girls are Ann Seddon, Phyllis Berry, Erin Valente, Lisa Bell and Edith Uhl.

Kerri Rankin Thoreson is a member of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists and the former publisher of the Post Falls Tribune. Main Street appears every Wednesday in The Press and Kerri can be contacted on Facebook or via email [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @kerrithoreson.