Libby, Montana - God's Country

When I moved away from home, after living in the same town from 1965 to 1981, I never dreamed I would tell people that I grew up in the most beautiful place on earth. 'God's Country' is the phrase that comes to mind when I think of Libby, Montana.

When my parents moved there they were told that Libby was the best place on earth to raise children. In very many ways it was. I loved my childhood there. I wouldn't change it for anything. It seems almost magical to me now. The setting of rugged, untouched mountains, clear rivers and streams, beautiful wildlife and of course all the outdoor activities that go along with the four distinct seasons that happen there. Almost too good to be true...

I guess in a way it was too good to be true. Because now I know the truth about the community being poisoned by W. R. Grace and asbestos 'nuisance dust'.

My dad worked at the mine for 5 years, from 1965-1970. He drove a yuk, worked in the labor plant, dry mill, and the transfer point. He was always working in heavy dust. He was told that it was just 'nuisance dust'. That it shouldn't bother him. Now his doctor tells him he has mesothelioma.

My parents knew the Les Skramstad and many of the people who worked at the mine. I loved it when they would tell me stories from those days, when Libby was young and fun. Now it is just so sad and so unbelievable how this tragedy could be kept a secret for so long.

I can remember adults talking about how the dust was so thick that coated work pants could stand up in the corner by themselves. And all of us kids played in piles of this stuff that was left all around town. The water always tasted so good, like the best you have ever had. I have even bragged about Libby's water in the past. Now they say the air and the water are bad for you.

I don't live there anymore. I try to follow what is happening by searching the Internet. I have found quite a few news articles and government sites. But, I was hoping to learn more about what happened to people's families, some that I might know personally. I was also hoping to find out more about what kind of other health problems, besides the obvious lung diseases, might also be caused by this dust. I believe it can contribute to many other problems. For example I know of 10 people my age from the same neighborhood that either were born with a birth defect or it was one of their children. I also know of many people with heart troubles, MS, and huge sinus troubles from the area. And we have all read the obituaries of those who were listed as dying from natural causes, which could have been several things. There just seems to be too many.

So, I started a blog to see if anyone out there wants to write about their experiences. I am also interested in hearing about what asbestos did to your life, even if you're not from Libby. And, of course I am always interested in hearing anything about Libby and the good ol' days. I remember when....