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Feel good moments: We need more of them . . .

Dixon CMYK 2016A few years ago, the Bothum boys were in elk camp, and Rex brought this gorgeous red sorrel mare. Everyone in camp wanted that horse. It was a big horse, probably nearly 17 hands, and it was one of the most beautiful horses I had ever seen. I didn’t have a pasture, barn, or stall, or an extra $2,500, but did I ever scheme and dream all night to remove those small barriers and take that horse home to my wife. “Merry Christmas, Darling.” Never happened, but Rex was a card. Every time someone asked him, “How much?”, he jacked up the price another $500. Those Bothum boys were genuine cowboys, and fun to camp with. One of the most enjoyable times I have had in the outdoors was riding with them looking for elk a day before the season started several years ago. Six of us were on horseback, the weather around Heppner in late October was a balmy 72 degrees. Mind you, these were not the young buck Bothums, like Mike, David (a champion saddle bronc rider), or the whippersnapper, Patrick, but the older guys, like Kermit, Rex, Jim, J. Shirly, and Marvin. It was so memorable, riding with them in the high Cascades, listening to stories, and watching them do things like Kermit shooting my $5 Target slippers because he didn’t think they belonged in an elk camp. And Rex, finally saying he would consider $5,000 for his stupid yet perfect horse.

Rex, a character if ever there was one, passed away earlier this year. A celebration of his life was held just a few weeks ago. There were a lot of cowboy hats, boots, and Wrangler jeans, and not many dry eyes in the place. He was an original. Cowboy, golfer, gentleman, comedian, veteran, loving husband to Astrid, and beloved by a bucketful of nieces, nephews, and friends. He shot his age a few times in golf. For those who don’t know, shooting your age over 18 holes is amazing. Rex was in his 80s. I would love to shoot my waist size over 9 holes.  I even bought his clubs to see if some of the magic was still there and would rub off on a guy whose golf handicap is his swing. I just really liked him and will miss his wit. Cowboy up, Rex. Say hello to Roy and Dale, Kermit, Tony, and J. Shirly. And tell Kermit he owes me for the shoes.  

Talk about good kids. Kiara Luciano and Carter Ardrey were caught doing something right. A little boy had escaped from his mom at a local store and was attempting to cross North Water by himself. He was around 4. The heads-up junior high pair intercepted the little guy and made sure he was safe from traffic. His mother came out of the store, thankful he was safe but sorry he had snuck away in a heartbeat. She thanked the two kids profusely. For their efforts, they were treated to an ice cream party and recognition from the Silverton Police, with Captain Anglemier doing the honors and saying thanks for the great citizenship. When kids are frequently the target of criticism for doing things wrong, these two were caught doing something right. The police made a great, positive image in recognizing the two. Well done, all of you.

Betty Caldwell fell recently and broke her leg. It so happened that while she was being treated at Legacy Silverton Health, her great-granddaughter chose to make her arrival in the birthing center. Just as Betty was going to be taken to the Benedictine Center for rehab on her leg, the stellar staff caught wind of the baby’s birth, and wheeled Betty down to the nursery where she got to hold her sweet progeny for 10 minutes. Kudos to the folks at Silverton Health for helping a g-grandma be fleetingly happy during a tough “break.”

Remember 911? We came together. One nation. The world embraced us. Soon we will be saying, “Remember the Soccer Boys of Thailand?”  The world watched. The world prayed. The world cried. The world joined forces to formulate a plan and beat impossible odds. They all got out. How sweet was that? Hear me world – We need more feel-good moments. 

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