Be informed on new hospital

Dear Friends, 

I remember so well that Friday evening when fire tore through our community.   As midnight approached, a friend and I were driving to my house to hunt for bedding, mats and lanterns for evacuees at the elementary school.  Fire was everywhere. Lines of fire against the black sky and bursts of flame which I knew were houses burning.  It was surreal, but we were too concerned about the children who were tired and families with no place to go to think of much more than the immediate need. As the smoke settled, the blackened trees and lonely chimneys were stark reminders of the losses. 

Two years later, I see evidence of a new kind of fire. Signs march along the road,  “New Hospital Now”, they say. “Vote Yes”  Inwardly, I cheer every time I see one.  There is a constructive fire in the heart of many of us as we try to see this bond pass.  I’m not hunting for bedding for wide-eyed children this time, I’m hunting for votes. Votes for kids who are hurting and need that appendix removed. Votes for the addict who finds hope in our third floor sanctuary. Votes for the elderly lady  with pneumonia who needs to be close to home so her husband can visit her daily.

Not everyone agrees with me. We are a small town, and like every small town there are rumors, innuendos, truths, falsehoods, facts, gossip, and just plain confusion.  It is a different kind of fire, but can be just as destructive.  What do we do about this new fire? I say, tend it carefully.  Blackened trees can be cut down. Buildings can be rebuilt. The fire of words are not as easily rectified.  Friends, let’s get together and have a reasonable chat. Let’s listen to every side, to the stories, to the hearts of people  on both sides.

Thursday, March 30, 5:30 -7:00 p.m. in the PAC at the Chelan High School  there’s a forum being held to discuss this vote. Both sides have been invited to share.  I hope to see you there.  Together, may we tend this fire of change. It’s not about me. It’s not about you. It’s about us.