Dear Editor
This is a letter to my city.
Dear North Battleford
I would like to express my gratitude for all you have done for me. I moved here 14 years ago. I left my home and everyone I loved behind in hopes of making a better life for myself and my children. You provided us with work that led us to meet some wonderful people.
Within the first six months you provided me with a much-needed surgery that even I didn't know I needed. I learned about this when you provided me with a kind and caring family doctor.
We fell on hard times, had little money for a while and once again you came to our aid. We were placed in a four-bedroom duplex through low rental housing. We were soon on our feet again and able to move into a rental house. The people we rented from treated us well and we offered our help to them (for free) to finish some repairs on this and other homes they owned. A couple years later these people became good friends.
We were still working towards building our credit and the bank was not ready to finance a home for us. They suggested we save a bit longer and come back in a couple years. This was encouraging but also disappointing. So we contacted the couple we rented from and mentioned a rent to own arrangement with them. Soon we were signing papers with them and we were now homeowners. They held the mortgage for a couple years. We returned to our bank in North Battleford and were granted our mortgage. We now own two homes side by side, so I can care for my mother- in-law.
I finished raising my six children here. Thank you for providing them with an education, jobs, friends, wives and my beautiful grandchildren. I still have family back home that I miss and love, but most of my now very large family live here in Saskatchewan. I have made many friends and have lots to love right here. You have helped me heel the hardest wounds with plain and simple unconditional love.
There are so many gifts you have given me, there is not enough room on here to write them all. I will mention two best ones though. I met these amazing young girls who trusted me enough to give me their two babies. They are my sunshine who bring brightness to my life every day. So for that North Battleford, I will be forever grateful. I will always work for you, to make this a better town for them.
Carolin Palmer
North Battleford
