Healing Garden is a place of beauty
Yesterday, I went to see my friend Val Olson at Bonner General. She reminded me that the dedication for the Healing Garden was the evening before. I had written it down and still forgot to go. I had planned on it. I knew it would be wonderful and I would see many friends.
I had no idea how wonderful it was until she walked me out the door and, from where I was standing, I was already taken back. When we walked through the entrance, I felt like I was in a cocoon, gently wrapped and protected. The tears started flowing, as they are now. I was so overwhelmed with love, and sadness at the same time, remembering those I have lost in my life and my friends, who have loved and lost also.
Val walked me over to the chapel. This building is created with so much heart and vision, I was stunned. When I walked in and saw the eternal light inside, I was weak at that point. It was like having an out-of-body experience. We then walked over to the beautiful tearoom where you can sit and watch the geese dive for their food and just listen to our beautiful world here in Sandpoint.
This Healing Garden was created for all of us. Please go and just walk or sit and remember those you have loved and lost in your lives. It will be very hard for you to walk away.
I must go now, I have a funeral to go to for a young man who was shot and left on the side of the road by his killer while hunting. He left behind his best friend, Mary, his loving wife; and two young daughters he won't be able to see grow up.
I will go again to the Healing Garden.
LYNN BILLINGSLEY
Sandpoint
PHD made flu clinic a positive experience
Recently, my wife and I attended the flu shot clinic sponsored by the Sandpoint branch of the Panhandle Health District. I expected the worst, a long, boring wait for a shot I may or may not receive.
Thanks to the planning and professionalism of the Sandpoint employees of the health district, the members of the Bonner General Hospital Auxiliary and numerous other friendly volunteers, a potentially bad experience was turned into a good one.
While standing in line in the Ponderay mall, we were provided with shelter from a terrific rain-and-wind storm raging outside. Numbered cards were distributed so you would know of your chance to receive the shot. Benches were provided along the way for a quick rest. A volunteer was continually making the roads and answering questions. J.C. Penney's provided a table of juice and cookies.
We were number 395 in line and, once the shots commenced around 9 a.m., we were finished by 10:45 a.m. — a remarkable feat.
The atmosphere created even can be described as a good social event. We visited with old-timers we haven't seen in months and years.
After such a good experience, I was shocked to read in the paper that in Coeur d'Alene, those wanting shots had to wait outside in line for hours, in a cold driving rain, many chilling so badly that the firemen had to provide their own coats to try and warm them.
Surely, in all of Kootenai County, with a little planning, a sheltered area could be found, anticipating the large number of people and the bad weather forecast.
To all of those involved in planning and working in Sandpoint, thanks again for creating a positive experience.
DAR COGSWELL
Sandpoint
United States is in self-destruct mode
As I went to vote, I've continued discussions with friends and neighbors to ascertain which way the wind blows. Regardless of the outcome, in my opinion, there exists a fervor to become an active part in what is strikingly our fragile world. If "four more years" is the outcome, it is not the voice of reason. I'll stand for my beliefs and the word now is non-complacency.
Our country, arrogant and misled, is in a self-destruct mode that I simply cannot strand by and watch happen to us. Peace.
PETER LUCHT
Sandpoint