
Anyone who knows me knows how much I value my family and the wonderful upbringing they provided for me in a radiant unknown valley in 'middle of nowhere', Idaho. Rockland is without question the world's best kept secret. It's one of the few places in the world that is so deeply hidden that time itself didn’t seem to notice it. It's a place where values and good human decency and integrity trump all. It’s a place where consumerism and materialistic rubbish is recognized as garbage and disposed of suitably. It's a place where feelings of safety and security are many, and feelings fear and uncertainty are few. It’s a place where the trendiest fine art venue is always God’s varying work of painted skies and rolling hills and Blue Mountains and babbling brooks. It’s a place where truly everybody not only knows your name, but also your middle name …and where you live…, and when you were born; and they genuinely care about you.
During my childhood I was very aware that I was in a special place, and I dared not take it for granted. I also knew that my experienced there would not last forever and that in order for me to reach my potential it was important for me to explore other parts of the world. Maybe someday, if my children are as fortunate as I, we will return and they can boast of an upbringing seldom experienced in the world today; an upbringing built upon values, principles, courtesy and good character with a love of mankind and admiration of God’s wondrous work.
The Idaho State Journal had one of their photographer/journalists, Joe Kline, chronicle the Rockland Bulldogs in a blog; “A look at eight man football and life through the Rockland Bulldogs”, way to go Joe. My dad has been teaching and coaching the Rockland Bulldogs for over thirty years; my mom has followed him and supported him at nearly every game. I am grateful that they along with the bulldogs are getting a little recognition in this blog. Mom, Dad, I love you, thanks for all the sacrifices you made for us so we could have this rare and extraordinary upbringing. There are few placed in the country that has American Football being played with a beautiful Idaho landscape in the background. I’ve listed the link to the Bulldog Blog, check it out, some great pics of my Dad and Mom. http://www.pocatelloshops.com/new_blogs/kline/



11 comments:
OH, I love your wording...you are so creative and descriptive. You should write more...is that in your future??? love you! Marni
I love the picture where they are playing football and there is a horse in the background! Priceless! Good old Rockland!
This is Coach May and Mary's Dad. Thanks Mary you are a good person and a wonderful daughter. You take after your mother. You are a good writer, you have a gift. You should use it. Love Dad
We definitely think we should have a play date soon! What are your guys' weekends like in the next couple months? We really want to hang out! I would love to see your boys too! And you can see my BIG girl in my belly. I swear I have at least doubled in size since we saw you!
How sweet! I love your mom and dad; I still remember going to church in Rockland and everyone knew who I was!! I know why Frank liked to visit while at school - truly a magical place.
Hey Mary, I'm so glad I happen to find you. Your blog made me all teary eyed and everything. Your boys have gotten so big and there so stinkin cute. Your house is adorable. We miss you guys. You really are a great writer.
How are you guys doing? I need to call you. We have been so busy getting ready for Christmas and the baby. I only have two weeks left so I am hoping the baby comes any day now. Are you guys staying in Michigan for Christmas?
Mary,
Hey this is Joy. Greg told me you guys had moved to Detroit. It looks like things are going well for you. I hope you like snow, I hear you will get alot this year. Anyway, we need your address to send out a christmas card. When you get a chance send me an email with it. joycarlin@hotmail.com By the way, I loved how you described your home town. It sounds unreal!
wow!! That is crazy...they followed the little ol' Rockland Bulldogs! So how are things going?? We're doing well here in Montana...we went home for Thanksgiving so we are acually staying home for Christmas! I'm acually excited about celebrating in our new home. You'll have to tell everybody I say "hi" when you go back home!
This was the coolest post. Mike and I spent so much time looking at all the football pictures. I could tell he was a little jealous they didn't do anything like this while he was in High School. How was your holiday?
Ummm... it's about time for an update! How are you? Still enjoying Michigan?
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