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/
