How I miss my Idaho

I ran across this little letter I once wrote to the Coeur d’Alene Press, a few years ago.

My husband and I were very active in that little awesome, bustling, patriotic town. He worked at The Resort as a limo driver, and also helped with the work on the completion of The Coeur d’Alene Resort Mall. Something of which he was so proud. His name was Russell Gabbard. I was very active in the Christian Women’s Connection, which met at The Resort the second Thursday of each month. Those were some of the best years of our lives. I will never forget them, nor the many friends which made our lives more fulfilled.

Due to illness, we had to leave our lovely home in Post Falls, of which Nancy White was our Realtor. That was a heart-wrenching decision to make. Since then, Russ has gone on to meet the Lord, and I have moved to Oregon, and remarried a retired Marine.

We never forgot our friends, the beauty of Idaho, and the fun we had at the many functions in which we took part at The Coeur d’Alene Resort.

Since the Fourth of July is now only a couple weeks away, I thought I might send the attached letter. My heart still beats with pride as I think of the beauty of which I wrote.

While I was there, I also was on the front page regarding a new book I had just finished, and I was a part of the newly formed Security Watch for the Post Falls Police Department. Our pictures were on the front page.

I am forwarding the attached little letter, as a tribute to this unique and special little town, of which I still dream, and always long for once more.

If you would like to print it as a tribute during the celebrations of July, please feel free to do so.

God bless you all … the most patriotic town in which I have ever lived. Please wave a flag for me too.

BONNIE JOHNS GABBARD

Grants Pass, Ore.

I REMEMBER IDAHO

My heart sings as I think of traveling on Hwy 90 and 95 both north, south, east and west. I remember the wheat fields as we travel toward Boise, the fishermen around Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint; the elk that run in guarded areas on the way to Worley.

The tall mountains that rim the little towns of Kellogg and Wallace. I remember the native dress of the Indian Festival at the Greyhound Park one year; the balloon rides. Then there are the families, both young and old, dancing to the music of the Kelly Hughes Band in various parks. I miss it all. I love it all. Just in remembering, touches my heart and brings me a little closer to that beautiful land of paradise and freedom.

So many times I traveled the road from PF to CDA and as my car made its way through the highway that leads east to Montana, I always felt the presence of the Lord. I would sing and shed precious tears as I could feel the peace and serenity surrounding me. I shall never forget Idaho; The Resort, the lakes, the little cafes filled with friendly people, the snow that comes down in flurries and blankets everything it touches. I love the blue skies with the puffy white clouds and the awesome sunsets that end a most perfect day.

The greenness of the hills after the winter is passed; the clean playgrounds of the schools, with no signs of graffiti. I love the many churches, both large and small. The Fourth of July dedication of the people as they stand to salute the flags held in respect by the high school marching bands. The military men and women who briskly march in step as America’s finest brave parade to a patriotic crowd of proud Idahoans while the greatest of aircraft do a fly-over to the shouts of real Americans.

If all the USA could somehow see the crowded lines of people who come from far and near to cheer the parade on the Fourth of July. If only they could share the fireworks that light up the skies with cheers and applause from the excited families as little boats dart here and there to get a better look.

Oh, how I miss Idaho, and especially CDA. The beauty and the patriotism will forever have a place in my heart. “Beautiful Idaho, how I love you.”