St. Ann's fire is out, but memories burn

“Hearts rebuilt from hope resurrect dreams killed by hate.”

? Aberjhani, The River of Winged Dreams

For more than 120 years, parishioners have been attending Mass, special occasions and celebrating lives that have returned home.

When my father got out of the military, and we moved to Bonners Ferry in 1978, St. Ann’s became another pillar of my childhood foundation. Mass every Sunday, every Holy Day, Holidays, summer bible school; not just myself but for all of us. This was not just a building.

Countless milestones of my life were in St. Ann’s - my first communion, confirmation classes, and my wedding. My husband was in the military, and we chose to bring each of our daughters back for their baptisms. I still remember Grandma Meeker being late to her own funeral at St. Ann’s.

I heard the explosion that night, and I am thankful for the opportunity to say goodbye. To cry with my cousin at 3 a.m. as we watched our beloved home away from home be vandalized with such hatred. To recall the memories, we shared together when learning to walk in high heels down in the basement during rummage sales. To reminisce about friends from youth group that we are still in contact with today as adults.

Still today, I cannot drive down the street without crying. It was difficult to cover but I was not the only one from our church there; many were on the fire department risking their lives to stop the fire. Thank you, to all the first responders, not only did you do a tremendous job, but you allowed us as a parish to say goodbye while doing so. Thank you.

I am also thankful that the youth group, which my daughter was in attendance, was not harmed in anyway. The destruction that was done that night, was only to the building. It could have easily gone down a more destructive path. Faith is something that hatred cannot touch – that is our foundation.

Similar to my family in 1978, my husband and I recently relocated our family last fall to Bonners Ferry. My heart is overwhelmed with gratitude for the amount of support that everyone has shown. I had forgotten how close this community is and willing to open their doors.

Growing up in a community with strong values gives you the ability to see hope and good in the world. Gives you the courage and strength to forgive the unforgivable. Yes, it was just a building, but when you walked inside, it was home.