Special Folks . . . .

It's another special day in the family.  Willie and Debbie are celebrating their 14th anniversary, but wait----who ARE those people in the photo above?

Well, that lady on the left has known Willie pretty much as long as I have AND the same is true with Annie.

I'm betting that Janel Holm can boast that same brand of familiarity with a lot of people who grew up in Sandpoint in the '70s, '80s and '90s.  

After all, she spent a good part of her career as a nurse welcoming babies into the world at Bonner General Hospital (now Health). 

Janel was there both before and immediately after Willie and Annie first greeted the world---right there when Annie was born. 

So, she's a pretty significant person to them. Plus, she has spent the last nearly 40 years following their lives. 

Janel is special to me for other reasons too.  She's the mother of five lovely women, all of whom I had the honor and privilege of teaching or advising in English class, yearbook or drill team. 

I always have kidded that they're the "Holmly Sisters," full well knowing they're far from that----all very beautiful. 

And, what can one expect, considering their beautiful mother who has been such a respected, beloved fixture in this community for so many years. 

Well, yesterday Janel was on a "dump run," or, as my friend Dale reminded me this morning, a trip to the Colburn Mall.  

She wasn't quite sure about the route, so she stopped at the Lovestead to ask for directions.  

Along with Janel came her oldest daughter Karen and her hubby Harry, here visiting from Germany where Harry is a teacher. 

We enjoyed a wonderful visit and, of course, some picture-taking. Soon Janel was off on her mission to drop off some items at the mall.  I think I saw an old ironing board in her car, if anyone's in need.

Anyway, great to see Janel, Karen and Harry.  Hats off to this dear friend for the role she played in my children's initial embracing of life, and the same goes to all nurses who give of themselves for the benefit of all life.  

Seems I've seen a lot of nurses over the past few days, and they hold a special place in my heart. 

Now, to another special place in my heart, let me talk about Willie and Debbie. 

Every year at this time, I love mentally revisiting the wedding weekend in 2001 when we, as a family, had SO much fun, celebrating the union of "Polar Swirl Girl" and "Arby Melt Boy," as my friend Denise termed them on the ARBY's Restaurant marquee. We also celebrated my mother's 80th birthday the next day.

So, it was very memorable, indeed, so many folks coming to town from all over the country to participate in the fun. 

As parents and admirers, Bill and I are so proud of Willie and Debbie, not only as who they are individually and what they do to serve this community but also as a loving married couple who respect each other and truly enjoy life together. 

Last night, enjoying a break from this unbelievably busy summer, the Love family--- including Annie via telephone from Seattle---enjoyed an evening of relaxing, visiting, watching the Mariners lose and dining on homegrown summer goodies---all except the tri-tip steaks, Miller's Country Store sourdough garlic bread and Breyer's gelato. 

It was fun and a good reminder of how rewarding a good marriage can be when couples grow together as a unit, guided by mutual respect and common sense. 

Congratulations, Willie and Debbie, on this milestone in your lives.  And, Janel, you are never forgotten as an important and beloved influence, both as a nurse and as a friend. 

Happy Tuesday.