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There seems to be a high incidence of suicide in North Idaho. Tragically it seems to be prevalent among the young. The governor and the school systems are developing programs to counteract this. We should all contribute to this effort.

They say that everyone’s life, when looked at from the inside seems a series of failures. One of my wife’s sisters took her own life years ago. She was a talented, exceptional woman who cared for others.

Those who are suffering from Alzheimer’s dementia can still respond positively to beautiful, uplifting music. Their head may be down and their eyes closed, but upon hearing this music they smile, hum along with the melody and even sing some of the words. Obviously, music can connect with the gray matter cells that are still functioning.

Could the local arts commission, when choosing art to display to the public, focus on the beautiful and uplifting? I implore them to strive to inspire people, to encourage a positive outlook.

Some 80 years ago my grandmother listened to soap operas on the radio (no TV in those days). The radio was placed on the kitchen table near the wood cook stove where she could sit in the rocker and be comfortable. My job was to keep the wood box supplied with properly split firewood. Her favorite program was called “Life Can Be Beautiful.” Let’s all strive to make it so and lift up the gray cells especially with the young whose faculties could most fully appreciate it!

FRANK FRUTCHEY

Rose Lake