Jo Harris:
CLASS OF 1974
Helena High SchoolClass of 1974
Helena, MT
Jo's Story
Life
My husband John and I live in Clarkston, Washington--just across the river from Lewiston, Idaho. John, a pediatrician, left the multi-specialty practice he worked for for 16 years, and I left my job in the Education Division at Lewis-Clark State College in November 2007. John opened his own practice,Progressive Pediatrics in Clarkston. I work for him as credentialing specialist/office manager, HR,gopher, and--my favorite title, given to me by a student nurse not long ago, "Office Mom."
We have three sons: Brendan, 28; Thom, 27; and Zack, 20. Thom's little one, our grandson Zane, is four. Right now all three boys, Zane, and Zane's mom are living with us. Granted, things are crowded. But I keep reminding myself that it's only temporary and some day I'm going to look back on this as one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
The past few years have been "learning years" for us. Our oldest son struggles with schizoaffective disorder (bipolar/schizophrenic). A couple of years ago John was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. I threw myself into learning as much as possible about both issues, and in spite of the stresses of making sure everybody's fed, medicated and feeling good, I actually enjoy being "mother hen." I truly feel blessed to have a smart, funny, creative family. Raising three boys is like life with Tom Sawyer--times three...Expand for more
. There's ALWAYS something going on!
John's passions are bird hunting, competitive sporting clays, and Montana microbrews. Our boys are avid outdoorsmen and self-taught musicians. The two youngest are passionate snowboarders.
John and I discovered a great band from Texas--The Gourds--and try to make it to their concerts when they're in the northwest. They're kind of an alternative back porch/country/folk/jug band. (Ever hear Phish's rendition of 'Gin and Juice'? That's actually the Gourds.) Sooo.... any Gourdheads out there?
My parents, sisters, best friend Becky, and John's family still live in Montana so we try to make it over as often as possible. Someday we hope to make it home for good.
One of these days (I keep telling myself), when and if my life settles down, I'll start writing freelance again (I used to write for Country Folk Art magazine, doing artisan profiles and home decor.) Meanwhile I'm enjoying helping John set up the clinic. It's cheaper than therapy. And in my copious spare time I love to read, mostly biographies and other non-fiction (Oliver Sacks, Anthony Bourdain). That, and indulging in the occasional martini while watching a DVD at home.
In closing, all I can say is "what a long, strange trip it's been"--but it's not over yet. According to a very reliable source, life REALLY begins at sixty.
Drop me a line.
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