Our Viewpoint: You can always go home again

I joke that my parents were super excited when I bought my own house because it meant that I wouldn't move back in with them again.

Growing up in little old Sanders County, I couldn't wait to go out and explore the world. I branched out for college, going out of state. Then I moved home. I made stops around the country for college my journalism career. And when I got divorced, the only place I wanted to go was home.

Once I got back to Sanders County, I didn't want to leave. In fact, I only leave the county once every other month or so, and mostly for a doctor appointment or something I absolutely have to do.

This summer I have visited some of the milestone reunions for local alumni. I so enjoyed listening to the stories and memories that were shared. I asked classes who had changed the most and who had changed the least. I love seeing people reconnect, and though many of the alumni live thousands of miles away, they will always know that they can come home to Thompson Falls and find someone who knows someone who knows someone who used to live in their house.

At the Huckleberry Festival, I ran into a fellow classmate who recently moved home to help take care of her parents. She moved away after high school and went on to accomplish great things. Now she has the flexibility of working remotely and being able to take the opportunity to be with her family back here at home.

Some people never leave Sanders County. Some leave and never look back. But whether you live here decades or just a couple years, we'll allways welcome you back to your Montana home.

­ — Annie Wooden