Publisher’s Note - Spring 2024
It was a difficult spring at our house. For a time, it seemed all we were hearing was bad news. We just wanted to pack up and leave for a while.
Tough times aren’t new. Everyone faces them. A pastor once said most everyone is either in the midst of a trial, just coming out of one, or soon headed into one. While that isn’t encouraging, it is, unfortunately, true.
That’s why we all need a little levity and reason for hope. It’s our goal at RITW to offer that through stories with reminders that good things and good people still exist.
As a diversion from winter, we once again partnered up with the Professional Bull Riders and the Northern Hotel and offered an incredible package to a couple readers in early April. As we narrowed down the entrants we came to a difficult decision between two brothers or an older couple.
The brothers are young men from Ulm who lost their dad a few months prior. Their mom nominated them and said after all they had gone through, a night on the town would be a hard-earned break. The couple was from Harlowton and had been facing health issues. Their daughter-in-law nominated them to offer a respite without a financial burden.
Before we had to think twice about an impossible decision, the PBR and the Northern both graciously gifted us a second ‘Night on the Town’ package enabling both the brothers and the couple the grand prize. Two packages worth $1000 each treated the four of them to something they wouldn’t otherwise have done – all because there are good people out there. We’re very grateful and proud of the PBR, the Northern Hotel and RITW for their generosity.
It was with heavy heart that shortly after, we learned of the unexpected passing of two men. One was the husband of our contributor, Jean Petersen, and father to their four children. The other, a friend who grew up on the neighboring ranch to my family’s old place.
The turnout at both funerals was a testament to the impact the two men made on the lives of their families and those in their communities. Both will be deeply missed.
It's a reminder that life is fragile. You never know when you could see a loved one for the last time. Live in harmony with one another. Let those you love know you love them. And live life fully. Get together with family and friends to laugh about memories and make more. Don’t wait until the timing is perfect, do it now.
Summer is near and opportunities for fun abound. We’ve included a calendar of events highlighting activities across our communities. Check it out and take your family to a rodeo, a county fair, or a community gathering. You’ll meet some authentic, true, dyed-in-the-wool Montanans, and you might just have a good time.
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12