I was recently in Boise, Idaho, for the 80th birthday of an old friend, Tom Blair. Boise is a special place situated in a large fertile valley in the state of Idaho, surrounded by imposing mountains which, at this time of year, are glistening with the last snows of winter. It is called the city of trees because it derives it’s name from the French word, Bois, meaning tree. French trappers paddling along the Boise river called it the river of trees. The name soon transferred to the city. It is now the fastest growing city in America according to Forbes magazine, something that does not sit well with my friends who live here because they would prefer to keep it just the way it is. But that, I’m afraid, is not the way of human progress. A city is a man-made creation or invention that enables people to interact and connect with one another in a multiplicity of cultural ways. Boise seems to have it all as a city from its artistic creations to the marvels of modern technology, from its various sports activities and programs to its more leisure activities ( there are 100 parks in Boise),from the awesome beauty of its nature to its lively downtown area.

Outdoor activities are so valued in Boise that bicycles are offered, free of charge, to youngsters so they can enjoy the benefits of nature. There’s even an expression in Boise, NDD, which means, nature deficit disorder, to signify the damage youngsters are exposed to in a technological society if deprived of the benefits of nature.

My friend, Tom, drove me up to the pinnacle of table rock yesterday morning where we could view all of this amazing city at a glance.

The highlight of my visit was the magnificent dinner that Cindy ( Tom’s daughter ) and Kevin, Cindy’s husband, prepared, in their home, for Tom’s 80th birthday. The celebrations began at 4:30pm and ended at 10:30pm. It was not the kind of celebration any of us, Tom’s Family or I, wanted to end. Tom received many gifts and mementos from members of his family. I was happy to give Tom an album of the dedication of the new church at Sacred Heart, Okeechobee, FL. Without Tom, this Church could not have been built.
He worked tirelessly constructing new parking, installing electrical outlets, building fountains, preparing the site plan for the new church, while all the time, never taking a dime for his efforts. He had retired to Boise before he could see the full benefit of his extraordinary labors.
On a personal level what I’ve always admired about Tom is his self- effacing spirit. He is simply a quiet doer who does not boast or talk up a storm. To visit his home in Okeechobee was always an instant vacation away from the cares of parish administration. He is a unique and loving man whom I have been privileged to have as a friend.