There’s a beautiful little town in central Idaho called Stanley that I just love. Nestled in the center of the Sawtooth mountains, Stanley Idaho has a population of less than 100 full-time residents and is considered the gateway to the awesomeness of Idaho. Just over an hour drive from Ketchum-Sun Valley Idaho, Ernest Hemingway loved the area deeply and made this his final home. While in Sun Valley he wrote For Whom the Bell Tolls and came to love the area and the people deeply.
I first visited Stanley when I was 18, and have since returned several times. There’s just something about the sheer beauty and friendliness that continues to draw me. During my last visit last summer, Stanley like much of the northwest territory, was experiencing a severe draft and rash of forest fires. My son and I rented a 4×4 for a day of exploring the various mountain backgrounds but due to the smoke-filled skies we never ventured too far from the main two-lane highway.
That evening while my son stayed in our room to study, I went into town for dinner at the Mountain Village Resort. Seated at the end of a bar, I ordered a steak and potato dinner and then relocated to a table in the dining area. A few minutes later the bartender stopped by to inform me and apologize, the last steak had just been sold. Ok, I’ll have a cheeseburger and fries. I was somewhat disappointed as I had been told their steaks are amazing.
Midway through my cheeseburger, a different waiter stopped by with a plate covered with a beautiful steak and a huge Idaho spud. Apparently, one of the less than 100 full time residents of Stanley had heard more order the steak and shortly thereafter switched his order to a cheeseburger when he came to realize he had the last steak ion town. Having already started my meal I declined the offer and asked to send my regards for the gentleman’s thoughtfulness.
Not but a few minutes later, the waiter returned. Apparently, the steak was already paid. Ok, I’ll take the steak and pay for his cheeseburger. So, here’s a situation where a perfect stranger went out of his way for someone else. I was overwhelmed with a sense of respect for others and had no other choice than to pay it forward. Remember the forest fires? Well, a large contingent of the fire fighters were standing in the lobby area, waiting to order dinner to go after a long day of firefighting. I asked the waiter to offer the steak dinner to one of them, it was the least I could do.
This evening, on 911, I was sitting at the bar having dinner in a little place called JP’s Hideout. Now don’t read anything into this, I landed here because a Facebook ad claimed they had the best smoked wings in the area. At any rate, a young couple sat down next to me and during the course of the evening I heard him state he was 14 years into is military career, he had 6 years remaining. Now I never served but have many very near and dear to me who have served through the years including Vietnam.
When it was time to settle-up I felt compelled to pay their tab too. Later, while driving home for some odd reason I suddenly remembered that steak dinner in Stanley. I remembered how overwhelmed I was with a sense of gratitude that someone went out of their way for me, a complete stranger. I remembered how good I felt paying it forward, offering that extra meal to one of the firefighters. I also felt pretty good that I was able to touch someone else’s life, albeit it a small token of appreciation.
As I continue my journey of personal accountability, I realize I’m better grounded and better positioned to serve others. And that pleases my soul. I don’t know what’s ahead for me on my journey, but I truly hope the information I provide on this site, as well as my YouTube channel serves someone, in some capacity.
On this 911, I’d like to say God Bless to all the first responders and those serving or served in our military.
And on a side note, best smoked wings ever!