A Happy Customer

She dropped into Wild West Wheels with a very fancy, upscale baby carriage.

"Can you fix this?" she asked Bob.

"I don't care what it costs, just fix it. I have a new job and won't be able to pick it up for a couple of weeks."

"No problem", Bob replied. " I can see that I will have to order parts and that takes a while."

The parts and tubes arrived from Denver from the shop where the woman had purchased the stroller. They were costly but the women had said she was willing to pay Bob. It certainly was less expensive than buying a new baby carriage of this quality.

Bob fixed the carriage and called the women to let her know that her carriage was ready for pick up.

The phone had been disconnected. Time passed and the woman did not show up. The carriage remained in Bob's shop.

Then one day the customer finally arrived to get her baby carriage.

Yesterday Bob stopped at the stop light when the woman walked by pushing the baby carriage. She gave Bob a thumbs up and said, "Everything is working fine."

Another satisfied customer who did not have to drive a distance to have the carriage fixed or did not have to pay a steep price for a new replacement. Bob is delighted to have recycled and saved something from being thrown away to pollute the environment.

This has become such a throw-away society, Re-using and recycling is the number one reason Bob opened his Fix-it-Shop in Hot Springs. It is an added bonus to receive appreciation from a pleased customer.

The First Time

We were driving to Rapid City for a medical appointment. We had gassed up the car in Hot Springs, driven five miles and the car stalled on the highway at the busy intersection of 79 and 385. Somehow Bob managed to get the car to the shoulder on the side closest to the truck stop.

We were fortunate that we were close to the truck stop and could use their phone to call the emergency road service. Neither of us have a cell phone and have preferred it to the constant contact with the noise of the world, but today I would have been grateful to have had one. At this time I was thankful to have a dead car next to the truck stop with the obliging people who worked there. After our first call to the road service and four return calls from them the tow truck arrived.

During the first phone exhange the road-side service said they would send a truck from Hot Springs. On a return call we were told that the tow truck was coming from 40 minutes away. Why? It was a mystery but we settled down for the long wait.

Another phone call and one of the friendly clerks told us that they said that the tow truck had broken down! Soon after they called back once again and once again the clerk came over, sat down with us and said that a truck was coming from nearby Hot Springs. Finally they had contacted a local service! They arrived 15 minutes later and we arrived home within the hour. During our lengthy wait the manager of the truck stop visited with us and offered a sympathetic ear to our dilemma.

Needless to say I missed the medical appointment. This was a first for me, as well as the use of the roadside emergency service. I guess there is a first time for everything during a lifetime and it came after many years so I shouldn't compain,

I guess that next time we not be so lucky to break down next to a friendly truck stop and I am now considering getting a cell phone to use on the road for emergencies that could occur. This will be another first for me.

Sigh! There comes a time to adapt to the changing world.

Oh, yes, the highway patrol stopped to assist but drove on when he learned we were waiting for a tow. I doubt that he would have remained for four hours and four return calls. But then we never had to find out.

One thing I do know is that there are advantages to living out here where many are ready to help in time of need. There are no strangers when one is in trouble, at least not here in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Half Way There

And here we are in Hot Springs, SD with the mural on Wild West Wheels half completed.
This scene of the natural beauty around our town beautifies the otherwise white, boring wall. Maria March will continue the work on Monday and we will have yet another mural decorating our community.

This view is the side entrance to the Fix it Shop of Wild West Wheels. Need anything fixed, stop in or call Bob. Also recently added are efficient, speedy, inexpensive, light motorcycles for sale. Use this side entrance of 144  S. Chicago for your repairs or to look over the new motorcycles. Bob is often out making deliveries and since this is a one-man operation, call the number listed if he is not available. Leave a message with your name and number.

You don't need to leave Hot Springs for repairs or motorcycles. You can stay local. That is the plan.

Cruising for Cookies

Each year during December our Chamber of Commerce sponsors a Cookie Cruise. People sample cookies and hot drinks at each participating store and vote for their favorite cookie. The idea is not only holiday fun for the family, but also to have the cookie travellers see what each store has to offer.

This event coincides with our annual Parade of Lights and other seasonal activities. Bob has not opened up the Wild West Wheels shop yet, but he has opened the back of the store to do repairs on bikes and other small engines. We thought that he would open for the Cookie Cruise last night to let others know what services he offered at this time.

"I'm not in this to make money. I will be happy to break even, but what I want is to provide a service to our locals so that they don't have to travel to Rapid City."

Bob was tired of seeing the empty storefronts in town and decided to invest in a building and do what he does best: service for motorcycles, bicycles and other small engines. His interest has always been in making things better and in the process to help the environment which lately has become a "throw-away society. He believes in using and reusing. Not much has ever landed in the land fill from our home. 

We had many folks stop by with a high interest into what Bob is doing, with requests such as "Do you fix rotor tillers? What about vacumn cleaners?" Today's world is filled with consume, buy and dump. It was heartening to meet folks who want to repair and keep what they have invested in over the years.

Maybe it is our small, rural town with a different mind set than in the urban areas, but whatever the reason, Bob has the opportunity to offer his skills in restoration to our locals, saving them both time and money to travel 60 miles to the nearst large community.

Thanks to the local Chamber of Commerce, many residents had the opportunity to talk with Bob and to discover what his shop has to offer. He is truly the Fix-it-Man for Hot Springs.

Am I proud of my husband? You bet. He is not fighting the battles that surround us. Instead he works quietly to provide a sense of pride to those who choose to repair. He will be teaching the children from the Boys and Girls Club to repair their bicycles that he is storing in his buiiding. He was asked to repair them. "No, bring the kids down here and I will teach them to repair their own bikes."

What is the old saying that goes something like this? "Give a man a fish and he will eat once.. Teach him to fish and that will last him a lifetime."

A Moment of Her Time

"We were almost chased by some buffalo when we were riding through Wind Cave. We know they are dangerous."

The three bikers were from Texas, enjoying our Black Hills while consciously avoiding the high traffic and prices of the Sturgis Rally.

As we were standing outside Shopko, chatting about the beauty of our Hills and the warmth of the people in Hot Springs, a short, dark-haired lady interrupted.

"Excuse me. Are you Mary GGGG?"

She was trying to say my last name so I quickly responded that I was Mary Goulet.

"I thought I recognized you. You are the author that wrote that book."

"Which one of my books are you referring to?"

"The one about the Cascade fire. My father read that book and he wants to come here to Hot Springs to see all of the places you wrote about. He loves your book. I just wanted you to know that."

With that she walked off before I had time to even say my thanks properly. Her interruption was so sudden and unexpected that I stuttered something, not sure what.

In hindsight I regret not talking with her more. She went out of her way to tell me about her father and my book. This was one of those times, a moment of her time, to show appreciation for my work, and I blew it. So wherever this woman is, hopefully through this blog, she will know that I do appreciate her words, and because of this brief interruption, I will not be so casual in my words of thanks to those who have touched my life in some way.

Life is too short. Words are too special to waste.

Three Vets in the Sauna

"I served two tours in Iraq. I was wounded and after I left the service I found the best VA for helping me return to health is this VA in Hot Springs."

"I fought for our country in many wars from Desert Storm to Iraq to Afghanistan. I was a Ranger, testified before Congress about the conditions at Walter Reed hospital, I was wounded, have a plate in my chest and am part of the Wounded Warrior program."

"I love this VA and this town. I am from Boston and have been to other VA hospitals and I can tell you this one is the best. I love the peace and serenity here. People greet me on the street."

Three veterans using our Plunge. One of them believes that the water is helping to alleviate his PTSD symptoms. All three were sweating in the sauna, sharing some of their battle stories. One shared a photo on his cell phone of a very poisonous spider that roams Iraq, or Afghanistan, I can't recall which country it was since he served several tours in both countries.

These young men fought for our country. One loved the years in the service but was angry and frustrated about his medical treatment on his return. The best medical care was at a VA that the government was cutting. His distrust with our government was blatant as was the frustration with Congress. He said his entire family had served in the military in all different conflicts, but he was telling his son not to enter the military after what he was experiencing at the present time.

I remained in that sauna far too long, captivated by the war stories of fears, frustrations, anger and pain. Finally I had to leave, but before I closed the door I took one final look back at these men who appeared so healthy and fit. Because of what they had shared I saw further than the robust external into the shattered internal pieces that could linger forever. Will they ever return to "normal", whatever that is? Will they find their way back to a life that they once knew? Will they gain internal strength and hope?

I wonder and I wonder some more. Most of all I cling to hope. We here in Hot Springs have fought the battle to keep our VA open for our veterans for over 4 years. Our battle has not cost us our mental health as those three who served our country. It has cost us time, effort and some anguish. It is a small price to pay.

Our Magic Circle

This holiday season I did it! I went into every store in town and found gifts for everyone on my gift list. I did not want to support Amazon, Walmart or any other big on-line business. I love to touch and see my gifts. Can't do that on-line. Secondly, I want the money I spend to support my community. I want those who live and work here to help their kids attend school. I want them to pay the city taxes that pay for everything we all use. I want the businesses to be able to support our local charities, such as our Boys and Girls Club, our museum, Mammoth Site, nursing home, food shelf, etc.

I published an editorial in our home town paper titled "The Magic Circle." Briefly I said if I spend money at a local restaurant, that person goes to another business to make a purchase. Later someone in the business eats at that restaurant. What goes around, comes around. I'm not sure how many will take heed. I know some want the packages dropped at their front door. They don't want to bother to go into our local stores, browse, touch, admire and maybe, just maybe, find a thoughtful gift for someone they love. Even if it is not the perfect gift, the purchase helps those who live among us and who spend some of their money in our town.

We are losing the small stores in our country and in the malls. They are disappearing to the on-line businesses. On-line is convenient, especially for those who cannot get to the stores to see the merchandise first-hand and examine it closely. I use it occasionally when I cannot find an item locally. On-line is convenient and easy, but for the most part, while I am able, I will struggle through the wet snow and sloppy streets to browse and enjoy visiting with those who are our neighbors and who spend their lives trying to share with us and make a living for themselves.

I do not want the small businesses to have to fold up and leave deserted store fronts. I do not want the malls to disappear from the city suburbs. It was a way of life that I long enjoyed when I lived in the Twin Cities, but for now, retired in a rural town, I will forgo convenience of the Internet in the hopes that the small stores will, perhaps with a struggle, remain to brighten the quiet streets of our peaceful community in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Here's to the small business owners everywhere. Long may they reign!

December in Hot Springs

Lights, lights, everywhere. In fact, it was so bright that one night as I was driving home from a meeting I was stopped by the police. "Was I going to slow?" I wondered.

I rolled down my window. "Sorry, officer. I did not see your lights until the truck flashed his lights at me."

"The reason he flashed his lights is because you were driving without your lights, "the officer told me.

No lights! I never noticed. I was too busy admiring the brightly lit store fronts and electric poles along River Street. I guess I saw no need to add my lights to the mix.

It is another December in our small town. We had a Christmas parade, concert and a cookie cruise. The town was filled with people watching, eating, shopping. Earlier in the day we had a meeting with folks of every political persuasion. All were gathered to listen to a common concern, "save our water." It is a good feeling to see those of opposing views on many issues be in agreement on protecting our water from contaminated dumping in our garbage sites and from fracking into our aquifers.

In the midst of the festivities we attended two meetings about and by the EIS regarding the on-going battle to save our VA. The battle continues but is somewhat on hold during the celebratory month of December. There is still some quiet planning on the side, but most of the room in our lives centers around the music and lights of the Christmas season.

Our local artisans have a holiday marketplace each December showing off their hand-crafted items, from homemade jams and jewelry to quilts, dolls and scarves and mittens. Admission into the market is a donation to our local food shelf. There are booths to visit, friends to greet, food to eat, charities selling goodies, music, sleigh rides and, of course, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus.

Then there is a  Christmas play directed by a local writer and director and acted by local talent, both young and old. On and on it goes. The community is filled with the holiday spirit of sharing and giving. It is a feeling of warmth and few "bah, humbugs."

It is our sanctuary, for a time, a place of forgetting the stresses of much of the rest of the world. We have our spot of serenity. It is not that we are unaware of the tragedies unfolding each day. The news follows us, but for some time, during the month of December, we can forget for a while and enjoy the tranquility, friendliness and lights that brighten the early darkness of the season.

It is a time of renewal and hope. The shining lights are a reminder of that hope. "It is better to light one candle......." This is our reminder to remember, "better to light one candle than to curse the darkness."

It is the darkest of winter months, but we have lit the lights to help us remember. We are the heartland of America. We have the lights to hope.

A Trucker's Thanksgiving

Every year the American Legion in Hot Springs, SD, serves a scrumptious Thanksgiving dinner to veterans and all town's people. This year they served 200 people, giving up their private Thanksgiving at home to wait on all of the people who were not able to cook, who did not want to cook or who had nowhere else to celebrate the holiday.

The Legion veterans asked for donations only, providing for those who could not afford to pay. It made no difference to the Hot Springs veterans who could afford to contribute and those who could not but equally partook of the feast and left the Legion hall with a full stomach and a warmed heart.

During the festivities an on-the-road trucker had stopped at our local Motel 6. The downtown was deserted late in the snowy, cold afternoon, restaurants closed, so the management at the desk of the motel suggested the trucker could get a filling holiday meal, complete with all the trimmings, at the local American Legion.

One problem: the trucker could not drive his huge vehicle and park at the parking lot of the Legion.

"No problem", said the worker at Motel 6. "Here are my car keys. Take my car and enjoy the holiday."

Oh, yes, Hot Springs is truly the Veteran's Town. The local American Legion of veterans who have made Hot Springs their home, embrace everyone.....veterans, locals, truckers and any who are fortunate enough to find themselves in this town during a holiday.

Needed: More Good Karma

We listened to Germans, French and one from the Netherlands. While in Iceland we heard their tales of the refugee crisis. There are no easy answers. Human beings need sanctuary. The homeless have fled the carnage and ravages of war and have come to the richest of the European countries. Most bring a desire for work, education for their children, a home and safety. They also bring their faith, a sharp contrast to those long settled in Europe. This difference, together with the monetary cost and temporary upheaval have unsettled and disturbed the Europeans. They are struggling in their governments and in the consciences of each individual, causing some divisions among families and friends.

These stories we heard are not new. In fact, they are all too familiar to those of us who have lived through the migrations of the displaced in World War II, Vietnam and more recent conflicts. To be sure, we have all have seen conflicts about differences closer to home.....in our own families, neighborhoods and local governments.

While immersing ourselves in the culture of Iceland, there was a city council meeting back here in our home town of Hot Springs, SD. On return we heard that the council and citizens in attendance were deeply divided over some issues regarding the finances of our local tourist attraction/health club called Evans Plunge. This Plunge is the oldest tourist attraction in the Black Hills and has been a year-round destination for local residents seeking to improve their health and well being. It offers all types of exercise, including the healing mineral waters for swimming and the hot tubs, sauna and steam room that are conducive to relief of aching muscles, as well as a social oasis during the darkest days of winter.

We returned from our "Viking" adventure to the furor of residents who wanted the city to carry all debt to those who wanted some cuts to assist the health of the city finances. Each person had an opinion. Each one wanted it resolved in their way. Each wanted what they felt was best for the city.

There was another meeting by the Plunge Advisory Committee that oversees the Plunge and its finances. They listened to all sides, from "close the golf course, to keep the Plunge open all days, some days, shorten hours, raise rates, lower rates, market more", and on and on.

This committee had yet another meeting. They made compromises in an attempt to appease all sides. They presented their findings at the next city council meeting. Wonder of wonders, each and every council member voted for their compromise! Each council member seemed to appreciate the hard work and decisions made by the advisory group.

I sat in quiet awe. I felt a feeling such as a wave of good karma had filled the chamber. Anger had dissipated and an overwhelming calm was left in its wake. I observed first hand how a small group of determined volunteers had done their extensive research, dismissed their egos and tweaked their initial proposal for the general good.

It can be done. It was done in our small community of Hot Springs, SD. Long may it continue, both here and, just maybe, fingers crossed, it can happen "out there!"

Honeymoon in Hot Springs

Oh, yes, we have many who get married and honeymoon in Hot Springs. Those who know of the numerous beautiful spots tie the knot here. Somewhere among the special loveliness the couples take the plunge to live together, for better or worse until one of them takes their last breath.

Now our city and chamber have decided to promote all this specialness in our area for couples contemplating taking the big step or other couples who want to renew their vows. And why not? Hot Springs has the quiet charm of renewal, relaxation and restoration. From the bubbling river that winds through town to the red rock canyons of area parks, Hot Springs is the place!

We are a veterans town and a home to many who love the sport of the motorcycle. This area of mild winters encourages bikers to feel the wind in their faces most times of the year. Bikers and veterans often decide to make their solemn vows in this valley of beauty and serenity in the southern Black Hills.

VOWS AND VIEWS IN HOT SPRINGS, SOUTH DAKOTA

 With this ring......

 In front of the mural at the American Legion.

 The sandstone Episcopal church on the side of the hill with the red door.

 The waterfall on the Freedom Trail river walk in downtown Hot Springs.

 They are off to the spectacular view at the Blue Mesa retreat center.

           
              The mayor of Hot Springs preformed this ceremony this past week.

A "Tail" of Rescue

This story was told to me by my friends, Eloise and William.

William is a photographer. A few weeks ago his photography group was driving through a remote area of the Badlands of South Dakota. "Look over by the side of the road. I think I see a coyote lying in the tall grass."

The driver pulled over and Will got out to get a closer look. A head lifted up from the prairie grasses. Will was hesitant to get closer, but then he saw a tail wag. He thought that was a good sign so he walked over and discovered an emaciated dog, unable to get up but still able to wag his tail.

Fortunately the driver was an animal lover and encouraged Will to bring the dog into her van. Will lifted the dog, mostly skin and bone, into the van. The dog slept the entire trip home.

Before Will brought the dog into the house he approached Eloise and told her that they may have a guest for the night since the Humane Society was closed.

Eloise thought it best if they kept the dog for a few days until they gave him food and he looked more presentable for a possible adoption. After a few days they brought the dog to the vet to have the fleas, tick and worm removal and to get his shots. It turned out that the dog was about a year old and, other than dehydration and some infestation, was in good health.

This Hot Springs couple had been in the process of looking for a Golden Retriever to replace the one they had put down. Needless to say, this abandoned dog, almost to the point of starvation, came into their lives with a wag of his tail. They adopted him, or, perhaps it was the other way around; he adopted them. Whichever way it was, this is the tale of a wag of a tail that saved the life of one dog and brought a bundle of joy to a loving household.

They named him Inktomi. (Inky for short)

Photo by William Ing           

Hot Springs Fourth of July

July 4, 2015. We had entered the parade with our blue electric car, vivid yellow signs on every side proclaiming "No Uranium Mining in the Black Hills. Protect our Water." Citizens clad in bright yellow shirts from all over the Black Hills walked in front carrying signs and handing out flyers about the dangers of losing our most precious resource to the temporary gain of a few jobs for the benefit of foreign countries who lusted after our uranium deposits laced throughout the edges of our Black Hills.

We followed directly behind a truck pulling a boat, also a sign of the loss of precious water and contaminated fish in our streams and lakes if in-situ uranium mining comes to our tourist-loving Black Hills. Behind us followed two elderly ladies in wheel chairs, also protesting the pending loss of our most precious resource, our pure water. Bringing up the rear were some protesters on motorcycles carrying similar yellow signs.

"Why do you need to go on a vacation?" questioned one of the anti-uranium guys. "I thought you were retired."

We were sitting together after the parade enjoying a cook-out picnic with the group who had entered the parade.

"Retired? replied my husband. "We have never been so busy since we 'retired' to this peaceful rural community in the southern Black Hills."

"There is no escape from involvement in a rural area", I chimed in. "We have a VA to protect for our veterans, crystal mineral waters to save from pollution and fund raisers and causes that we believe make a difference to our environment, our city and our future."

I will never forget when we left the Twin Cities that some of our friends warned us, "You will get bored in the boonies!" Well, I beg to differ. Life is never constant. There are always battles to be fought, if through parades, marching, crossing picket lines, talking up at meetings, or through the power of the pen in writing or editing.

Oh, yes, we can use a vacation. But what a gift during our retirement years. We can use a break from our work. It is a precious gift....no boredom. We continue to fight. We continue to live life! We are filled with gratitude.

Photos courtesy of William Ing

American Sniper

There was an unusually large crowd in our local movie theatre. Understand that this historic building is a local treasure and a gathering place for movie buffs who prefer to see a movie on a large screen in, an at-times, cold surroundings among friends and neighbors who chat amiably before and after the movies. Unlike many of the large city movie houses, the local crowd is politely quiet during the movie, respecting the rights of the other attendees.

We were greeted by many as we took our seats for the second-night showing of American Sniper. The line for the popcorn was so lengthy that we skipped the usual movie treats while choosing preferable seats among the locals sharing the latest scuttlebutt.

There were many in the theatre wearing hats or jackets that identified them as a veteran. That was no surprise; we are, after all, the Veterans Town, with both a VA facility and a State Home for Veterans. We are also still in the battle to try to save our very special VA in this peaceful, rural setting, conducive to recovery of those suffering from PTSD or other emotional issues.

The movie began, taking us all into the midst of the war in Iraq with soldiers going door to door, breaking down the doors they believed hid the armed enemy soldiers. The hero of the movie was a famed sniper who carefully took down any who threatened his fellow soldiers. The movie also drew us into the affect of his four tours on his wife and his increasing PTSD.

There was not a sound from the audience around us during the film, with the exception of one veteran who suddenly left the theatre. The movie was over and the audience filed out silently. I heard none of the usual light exchanges of banter. I do not know the feelings of the rest of the crowd. I only know that this movie sent me a strong anti-war message and I felt an even greater empathy for combat veterans and their families.

I do wonder about our veterans suffering from PTSD. How will this movie affect them? At this time I am not ready to ask them....not now, but maybe soon, or never.

Sweat and Tears

We sat side by side, sweating in the sauna.

"I really want to get off of meds. I got back from Afghanistan and nothing fits. My wife no longer understands me. I came here to the VA to get help with my issues she doesn't understand, and they put me on more meds. I really love coming here to the Plunge. I can work out upstairs, in the water and then relax in the health club. I come here everyday. I want to get off of my meds and use the natural things to help my nerves and nightmares."

He talked rapidly, barely pausing for a breath or a response from me. Finally he paused and looked over at me, as if waiting for a reaction to his litany.

"Have your tried acupuncture or yoga?" I asked him. "Both of those services are offered here in town."

"I want to try both of those. I want to try every thing the natural way and get off of all those medications."

With those words he bounced off of the bench and disappeared out the door. His friend from the domiciliary was sitting across the sauna. He now had his chance to talk and he told me that he had come for treatment from Denver.

"I really love this VA and this town. I want to move here some day and make this my home", he told me. "It is easier to manage my issues in this peaceful community."

Two other veterans from the Dom came into the sauna. All four of them came to the Plunge every day.  They were all delighted with the amenities that our Plunge had to offer. They loved to let off steam with exercise, water, hot tubs and the steam. All four wanted to try natural means for healing instead of the artificial drugs which offered temporary relief and maybe, just maybe, added addictions.

All four were struggling to find their way back to society, back to their families, back to work. For now they felt safe within the VA system, but they also knew it was a temporary haven and they all echoed that they wanted to find their way back to "normal", whatever that was. So much had changed for them during their years in the service. They were different somehow and civilian life seemed confusing and unwelcoming.

"We used alcohol and drugs to soothe our anxieties. We just added another problem to our emotional ones. Now we have to deal with both."

I was happy that they found some part of "normal" while making use of the Plunge. I watched them join in with other townspeople in water volleyball and basketball. Looking on I would never have guessed that they were struggling with PTSD and substance abuse issues.

I doubt is any of us have reached perfect "normal" during our lifetimes. Perhaps it is best that we haven't. We all have our dark sides to battle at times. For me it helps in understanding those four veterans desperate to find some normalcy. I know of no one who has attained perfection. And, I believe that is what makes all of us interesting. Flaws weave a pattern of richness into a tapestry of humanness.  I wish, with all my being, that in some small way these veterans find some peace in their present lengthy conflict, a struggle that is possibly more difficult than the battle they fought overseas.

When I left the Health Club at the Plunge all four veterans were soaking, laughing and talking in the hot tub. They all looked relaxed and like the usual tourists. "What a nice old lady", one of them said as I waved goodbye.

Welcome home, guys.

Fifteen Minutes for a Veteran

The doorbell rang. It was 8:00 on Sunday night. He stood quietly at our front door with two pieces of paper folded in his hand. He looked down at the papers, then up at me. He seemed tired and worried.

"I stopped at the ministerial place but no one was there. Then I remembered Mary and I came here because I didn't know what else to do."

This veteran had driven from Rosebud Reservation. Because he lived over 75 miles away from his medical appointment he was entitled to receive a discounted rate for his motel room before his surgery the next day in Rapid City. He needed to get his voucher from the Hot Springs VA and he was going to stay in a motel in Hot Springs because it would be less expensive than one in Rapid City. When he went up to the VA he was told that he was 15 minutes too late to receive his discount for the motel. He had to have his appointment by 10:00 and they had scheduled him for 10:15.

"She told me at the desk that she had to save the VA money." He sighed, "I can't drive back to Rosebud tonight. It is too far to make my appointment tomorrow and I can't afford full price for a motel. I thought you could help."

I made a call to another veteran who knew the ropes. He made a call and called me back.

"Tell Alfred to meet me at Motel 6" was the message.

One veteran helps another. Is this the story now days? The VA schedules a veteran fifteen minutes too late to receive a motel discount. The VA saves some money. Who gets the money? I suspect it is not the taxpayers. I can't imagine our senators or representatives being treated in a similar fashion....

"I'm sorry, Senator, you will be losing some of your health care benefits because we have to save the taxpayers money."

Do you think one senator will help another? I really don't know the answer to my question, but this I do know, when a veteran is in trouble, there will likely be another veteran to come to his aid. They learned in the service to work as a "band of brothers" and that spirit follows them throughout their lives.

Hello, to our politicians out there! You ask for their service and then snip away at their benefits. My question to you is, "Is this the only way you know to save money?"

Really? Get real!

"Hooray and Halleluia!"

Has it really been almost three years since our battle began to save our VA in Hot Springs? Actually, it has been 2 years and 8 months since the announcement of the proposed closure. After months of meetings, letter writing, sign making and on and on, we are finally having our day in the sun, our moment of truth, our chance to be heard by the decision makers from Washington, with a congressional hearing in Hot Springs.

Our community members have written a proposal that will benefit the veterans, our town and the taxpayers. Save the VA committee members met with former Secretary Shinseki in Washington but were largely ignored. He refused to see for himself what our VA has to offer veterans. We know, we have the numbers to make our proof and we have 5 presenters who will make our case this Thursday before the chairperson and vice chairman of the House Committee of Veteran's Affairs.

Will we win? Time will tell. Will we be heard? If we are, we will win. We have everything in our favor for the benefit of the veterans, present and to come. If you are interested you can follow our battle on www.theveteranstown.com. We may be a small community in the "boonies" or the "fly-over zone as we are known to both coasts, but we have spirit, compassion, common sense and a willingness to fight for what we know is right. We are Hot Springs, SD, the veterans town!

Ding, Dong, the Witch is Dead!

The talking heads are really jumping all over this one....Eric Shinseki, long waits for veterans, double lists, etc. What a field day for everyone!  I can only hope that when the dust has settled, or, even while it is still flying, that our VA and our veterans who use it, will be recognized for their battle to retain their very special hospital in an unusually peaceful and calming place.

Many, including some in power, have been aware of this disgraceful situation for many years. It is complex, incestuous and self-serving for many in management. Money corrupts, be it in the form of bonuses or promises of power. The VA is a massive and deeply independent institution.

You have heard it before...."follow the money.." In truth it should be "follow the veterans who seek timely treatment in a caring and understanding institution."

One leader resigning is not slaying the dragon. There are too many dragons feeding off of the "bounty of the county" (correction, country). But there are those joining in the rejoicing. Perhaps it is only a symbolic gesture, perhaps it will be the beginnings of cleaning house, or maybe it will be something in between. Whatever the outcome, maybe, just maybe, our VA in Hot Springs, SD will be saved and grown in order to serve, heal and house those men and women who have served us.

There is another saying, "Hope springs eternal..."

A Victory for our Veterans

We sat side by side in the hot tub. "I would come here more often if I could afford it," he said to me. "I am in the Dom for six months and love to relax here and mix in with regular people. It is good to get away for a bit from the struggles and turmoil of recovery."

Ouch, those words hurt when I first heard them, but it was true! Mingled in with all of the cut-backs by the VA in Hot Springs was one that went almost unnoticed by most. It was not a closure of surgery, the laundry, the greenhouse, the library or many beds in the domiciliary that have occurred,  but it was a cut that did have an impact on many receiving treatment for emotional issues in the "Dom".

Last year the VA stopped the practice of allowing veterans in treatment free access to the use of the facilities at our Evans Plunge, which includes exercise equipment, the pool filled with natural spring mineral waters, and the soothing effects of the health club hot tubs, sauna and steam room.

The city of Hot Springs used to fund half of the expenses and the VA funded the other half. Since the VA stopped paying, a few veterans who could afford the fee would use the Plunge, but many could not afford the entry price. Hot Springs is not the Veterans Town in name only. The city purchased the Plunge last summer and could offer a solution. Starting this month veterans in the treatment program at the Dom can use the health club for a nominal fee of $2.00. The VA may have made another cut to our veterans, but the city of Hot Springs made the decision that  our health club is an important part in the recovery of those suffering from PTSD, substance abuse, brain trauma or other emotional issues. They are welcome at our Plunge along with the locals who use the Plunge regularly as part of their health regime.

We are a community of healing, we honor veterans and in this latest quiet gesture we are saying, "Welcome to our town, welcome to our health club, welcome to another assist to your recovery."

Now I can relax in the health club and be assured that the veterans can, and do, make use of what I often so casually take for granted. I join them in a lifetime of healing.

The Best Part and the Worst Part

We met a medical professional who was recently employed in Hot Springs. He had moved from the east coast and was learning who we were, what we were and all the goings on in this town. I told him about the question we were frequently asked by our friends when we moved here from the Cities. "What is the best part of living in a small community?" And, "What is the worst part of living in a rural area?"

Our answers were always the same, "The best part is that everybody knows you. The worst part is that everybody knows you."

The newcomer laughed and said he knew exactly what I meant. He had flown to Rapid City and purchased a vehicle for his drive to work in Hot Springs. On his first day at work he was stopped by the highway patrol and got a ticket for speeding. That very same day some woman came to the counter and said, "I saw you get stopped by the police today."

We both enjoyed his story with all that it implied. This is small-town living at its best, or worst, however you look at it.

Over the years of living here I have come to realize that the best part outweighs the worst. Rumors spread. Stories become enlarged and twisted, but, in the end, the feeling of others knowing who I am and, for the most part, being genuinely concerned and interested in that part of "who I am", is more enriching than being faceless in a crowd of people. Sure, there are misunderstandings and misinterpretations of motives, but for those who really care, there are opportunities to ask me face-to-face about the rumors. If they don't ask, then they remain less informed, less wise and sheltered by their ignorance. That is their loss, not mine. As for me, I continue on my journey through this life, trying to remain open to all challenges that flow by.

One thing is for certain, in a small community there are many more of these opportunities. It is a matter of choosing which ones and at what time. Life is full and I feel blessed. I wish the same for the newest arrival to our town.