RATHDRUM: A newcomer rejoices

As a newcomer to Idaho and Rathdrum I have been delighted to have found a similar lifestyle and many of the same values that I was so blessed and privileged to have grown up with. I was born in a small town (one block long) and lived on a farm. I still so vividly remember the abundant, beautiful trees (especially the pine trees) and the gentle, rolling hills.

We were a hard-working, tight-knit community. We sought to care for one another — especially our nearby neighbors. If Smitty needed a new barn, the other farmers heard about his need, left their own work to pitch in and help. When the neighbor came to help, my grandmother always prepared a sumptuous meal on a long wooden table, probably seating as many as 12 to 15 hungry workers. The men were called to dinner (supper was always the evening meal) by ringing an extremely large iron bell hug from a very tall pole when the cord was pulled and called eager, hungry men — they could hear their call for miles around.

My Grandaddy in the fall harvest time had then-much needed helping hands from the same neighbors. Not only did they have a respite from the work and heat — it also gave them time to discuss their crops (too much rain this year and too little expected), politics, and finding out how each of their families were getting along. I especially remember the fervor that was expressed concerning their political view.

Smitty and J.D. may have been of the opposite persuasion and they discussed their views with great passion (OK, maybe a little heated at times). But always ending with great respect for one another. I learned early on that love and respect were key words used everyday in our vocabulary. So, I have observed some of the same aforementioned qualities in Rathdrum. I just want to thank all the kind, caring people who have made me feel so welcome in just the short time I have been transplanted! I feel as if I’m home again!

PATTIE SUE BOLTON

Rathdrum