DAVID WOLD: Calm and kind amid NIC chaos

When I moved to Coeur d’Alene, I joined a church to get acquainted with people and hopefully make new friends. One of the earliest to welcome me was David Wold. We developed a friendship, and now 20 years later, are brothers in Christ. David has become a mentor, confidant and guide.

He did not seek a position on the NIC board. Many encouraged David to do so, some even begged, and he finally agreed to apply. David has enjoyed a remarkable career and deserves retirement after 50 years of service in the medical field, but he accepted this call and was selected for membership on the NIC board.

No need to elaborate on the dysfunction and conflict at our college this past year. What is needed are congratulations to David for the moral character he has displayed throughout, for remaining calm and more importantly, kind, when his character was threatened. Being yelled at and constantly interrupted, David endured the swearing and rudeness of two board members.

Whenever asked how he was doing, he would say it’s a struggle, but never responded with an attack on his aggressors. He would always reassure me these were not bad people; they just have an agenda he cannot accept. Amazingly, David would express his sorrow for them. How remarkable. He embodies Jesus’ statement from John, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you and pray for those who mistreat you.”

Thank you, David, for the privilege of your friendship. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if a friend of one or both of the dissenting board members would share character traits and qualities of these two with our community? It could be the beginning for healing of the tragic situation that has been occurring this past year.

MIKE CHEELEY

Hayden