Seeing the following "My Turn" in today's Sunday paper touched my heart for a number of reasons.
For one example, I distinctly remember when Pat and I had a conversation almost word for word from the second paragraph more than 20 years ago.
He had stopped to talk while driving along Great Northern Road road that day. I was out in our front field.
During our conversation, I was lamenting the rapid industrial growth occurring around our ten-acre farm.
At least, our house is in the middle of the property, I said to him.
His response (pretty much the paragraph) made me realize that in my experience, the present frustration had been far outweighed with the charmed life we had been able to lead in our neighborhood during "the good ol' days."
It wasn't long after that conversation when we sold our place to Quest, the aircraft manufacturing company located behind us, and we moved to "the country" out here in Selle.
Still, I never forgot the wisdom Pat shared with me that day---always remembering to appreciate how good North Idaho had been to us also, regardless of usual annoyances that come along with wherever we happen to live.
Pat said it well in today's column, even if he did use more than his usual two-or three sentence paragraph to make his point.
He definitely left us with a meaningful and personal epitaph.
Life in North Idaho has been good
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the past and present fine folks that I have had the privilege to know and were willing to share their space with me.
Whenever I would take time to think about it, I would recognize several facts about my life, that would make me realize just how damn lucky I was. To not only be born in the best country in the world, but also the best part of that country, right here in Sandpoint, Idaho. To live my whole life here, can’t imagine it getting any better than that. To have good honest hard working unselfish parents, siblings that were willing to tolerate me and children that are good citizens.
To live through times when a person's word was better than any contract, when you could be a hitchhiker and pick up one and be safe, doors unlocked, car keys left in all night, never a problem. Drank too much, the police would give me a ride home.
Neighbors kept their cars for years, you always knew who was coming down the road. Hobos still had honor to them. Growing up across the road from the county poor farm that was loaded with men of various ages that could not work, spending lots of time with them, playing cards, eating two meals a day with them and countless hours just BS-ing, never a hint of impropriety.
To have lived from World War II rationing to all the modern conveniences and comfort of today. To be able to take advantage of our advanced medical community. From draining the water out of the cars and tractors every winter night and yearly mud outs, to pavement and the great mode of transportation we have today.
School was always important to me, lots of fun and no chores during those hours. Basketball officiating for 20 years extended that school association and than to have the privilege to have one of the best people jobs ever, driving school bus for 8 years.
Having a family partnership in the meat business for 28 years with many customers letting us be of service to them, making some damn good products and having many excellent employees. Being in the realty trade for 18 years and meeting the many people that were good to me.
Life in North Idaho has been good and I can't phantom a better time to be on Earth. Again, thanks to all of you that have shared your space with me.
Best regards and good health,
PAT GOOBY
Sandpoint
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