Defining Moments

Most of you locally who know me are aware of the Media Firestorm that attacked my family this past week. Although there was "a story" told it was not "The Story" (ie the truth)! Our little corner of the world was rocked and our hearts lay heavy.

I do not have the words to truely express to you how grateful we are and how much we appreciate all of your support, in the way of phone calls, cards, e-mails and personal visits that were filled with words of affirmation and validation of the honor and integrity of our family.

Although this past week has been very difficult it has been very defining to us regarding the value of Family and True Friends. I know that difficult times chisel out our character, define for us who we are, what we stand for and make us stronger. Never the less when the things closest to your heart are attacked it is very painful. For me that would be my family, and the foundational and core values that we have spent many years to build and define. It is this foundation that will come to your aid or fail you in times of trial, we feel very blessed that in the midst of the firestorm we drew strength and direction from one another.

Today as a family we have surrendered to the fact that Life isn't always fair and we are choosing to hold our heads high in confidence about who we are and the principles that define us. We are unified in not allowing people who do not know us and who do not share our same values to have any power over our lives!

Those of you who know us and love us know "The Story" without us even having to tell you and we love and appreciate you for that. The way you have rallied around us has blessed our lives and hugged our hearts and for that we are grateful.

Onward we go, with optimism and anticipation of the greater things that lie ahead! Taking comfort in realizing that we live in a Country that has become addicted to "Breaking News" and that this hurtful Media Storm will pass and one week, one month or one year from now, this story will not matter!

If I thought that the paper would print my editorial this is what I would write:

"I assume that you’ve heard of the recent occurrence at the Spokane County Assessor’s office. The case of a young man who applied for a position in the same office his father worked in. Nepotism and favoritism were common arguments against this hire. The outburst from the media and a very small percentage of the public cost this young man, Adam Best, his job. The question I pose to you is what kind of message does this send to our youth? We raise our children to shoot for the moon. We frequently state that anything is possible if you dream it. And, when one shining star does rise to the occasion and buys into our teachings we cut him down. We cut him down for the simple fact that he is a mere 23 years of age and that his father happens to work in the same office. It’s a wonder why Spokane loses such a large number of young, motivated, visionary and highly educated individuals to surrounding areas such as Seattle. They would rather brave the rain than a large number of skeptical and mediocre minds. Mediocrity surely does attack excellence. I applaud Mr. Baker’s decision to hire such a young and enthusiastic man fully knowing beforehand the consequences such a hire would bring. Perhaps this event will spurn Spokane to finally have a vision for our children. Then again, perhaps not. Regardless of the outcome, I extend a hearty thank you to Mr. Baker for his vision and professionalism."

Kathi Best

Spokane WA