Grouse Creek Valley is “way way out there past the furthest reaches of the Great Salt Lake and even past Park Valley 8 miles from the Nevada border North-North- North-West West-West Utah,” as described by Marjorie “Marge” Thompson and her son, Blain. Marge, who turns 99 on July 4, now lives in Brigham City, but her heart will always belong to Grouse Greek Valley, and when the CNS Brigham City Branch set up the opportunity to fly over her hometown in a four-seat Cessna airplane, Marge was very excited to go. Marge was born in the middle of a celebration and 4th of July dance, which on its own would have made for a great story. However, there was much more to her entry into the world nearly 99 years ago. Somehow, her father’s small store had caught fire, and some of the young men at the dance were sent to put the fire out. When they arrived, they found Marge’s mother in labor across the street. A few of the boys were reassigned and told to go find the midwife. They did, Marge was born, and ever since then, for 99 years, they have been celebrating her birthday with fireworks! When Marge was born, Grouse Creek had a population of over 300 people (two-thirds were Marge’s relatives). When Marge’s children grew up in Grouse Creek, the population was only around 150. Today, the Grouse Creek population is reportedly less than 60. Marge moved to Brigham City 23 years ago after her husband passed away to be closer to family, and for the last 23 years, Marge and her family have made a point to go to Grouse Creek three times a year: Memorial Day, 4th of July, and her mother’s Kimber Family Reunion in August.
Thanks to the CNS Wish Program, Marge got another chance to visit Grouse Creek, this time by air. Marge had the opportunity to fly with her son, Blain, and Leading Edge Aviation pilot Kim Hall and see her hometown from the air. Marge said this was a wonderful experience, and she couldn't believe we were traveling at 130-150 MPH on her fly-by over memory lane in Grouse Creek. She thanked the CNS Wish Program and Leading Edge Aviation pilot Kim Hall for making this wish come true!
The CNS Wish Program is a way to grant patients the opportunity to relive a cherished memory or experience a new adventure. Wishes are possible thanks to the generosity of those who donate money and/or services. CNS would like to thank Leading Edge Aviation pilot Kim Hall for generously donating his time and a large portion of the cost of his services to grant Marge's wish.
