"Yes it would have, with the injuries and all." Leah agreed, it had been good that Josiah Boone had come down with the survivors and the two doctors together had helped so many, a tragic day,yes, but a banner day for the people of Kalispell.

"Of course, with the town as generous as it is, accommodations will be made, if needed, I'm certain."

"Yes I would think so, yet I believe up until the frost, the workers will be in tents. And then, back to Helena, or somewhere closer, unless of course they build temporary accommodations for themselves to stay the winter." She surmised. "Not sure they would want to do that, but then with only the hotel and the boarding house, I suppose anything is possible."

The idea of a place for the builders to stay had not crossed her mind, though with all the promises and delays that went with them, it was almost to be expected. Why plan for people who might never arrive.

"I do suppose they have homes and families," Johan commented, "and will be anxious to return if there is no work to be done." He shrugged. "That's dependent on how far we're able to get. As long as the building has the protection of a roof, there's some work that can be done inside, so there may be a need for longer accommodations."

Maybe the Wigfalls would take in some of the hapless men, a great way to distract Miss Jemima!

"I would think that the contractor would know what sort of accommodation is needed, and see to it." He rather doubted that that sort of detail would be left to the workers, unless they were local. "We should talk to Mrs. Lutz and see if she'd like you to recommend the cafe here for food." Well, unless that was seen to by the company as well?

"You know, I hadn't given any of that much thought." Leah admitted, "I was just trying to get the contract signed, but you are right about accommodations for the workers. Though I somehow doubt they'll be here come the first snowfall, and I'm hoping for a late winter." Of course her wish for a late winter was possible, not very likely, but possible. "And meals, unless they bring their own cooks and their own supplies, which may or may not be something they provide for their men."

Suddenly there was more to be concerned about than just the construction crew arriving with building supplies. "Goodness, this is evolving into a great deal of planning I had not even considered. And yes, the cafe would be the best place for the crews to take their meals. Thank you Jonah, we'll have to ask Missus Lutz." So she raised her hand,

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to rain on your parade, so to speak." Just when everything seemed to be moving forward...

"Really, I'm certain the man you hired is accustomed to this and has figured it all into the costs. And I'd imagine that, at least for the more basic jobs, he'd just hire local." They may have to bring in specialists, but there were always folks looking for work, most of the farmers didn't have much to do after harvest and were happy for a chance to make some extra money.

Chuckling, he shook his head. "Just think, this time next year it will all be done and operating, and you'll wonder what it ever was that you were worried about!"

"Yes, you're probably right about it all being figured into the cost, but perhaps it would be best to pre-plan in case. Meals I can't see as a problem, lodging however, that will be another story altogether." She said quickly, "I would imagine that Mister Wellman will be here before the supplies and men arrive so we'll be able to go over what his needed for this project, and how we'll solve the lodging issue."

"But you are right, Jonah, this time next year all of the excitement of anticipating the building of our hospital will have faded into the day to day running of the place. What was it we talked about naming it? Kalispell General Hospital, Flathead County Hospital? And how can this actually be a county if we're not yet a recognized state? Some of these things I just don't understand."

"It's just a matter of time, after they figure out the politics." Jonah chuckled. "Whichever party thinks they will get the benefit from statehood will push for it." 

In the end, it was all about politics, right?

"Probably best to get this done before statehood anyway, right? Avoid fees and regulations that a new state might impose to boost their revenue." While he didn't know much about those things, he did know that governments were crafty when it came to raising money!

"What is the good of having friends and connections if you can't use them?" With all of the opposition she'd run into, it would have been silly for Leah not to use all her resources. It was just a pity that there were some horrible people who used that to start rumors that brought to question her morals.

"I'm just glad you had those avenues to bring to your aid, otherwise I don't think this would have ever happened, which would be a shame. You should invite the Governor to the grand opening, if we have one of those."

It seemed a bit ostentatious to have an opening event for a hospital, but then, it was a grand achievement, so, why not?

"Oh, of course he'll be invited and dear old Dutton Peabody, in fact, any of those men in Helena who want to come. And I think once it is complete, and we plan for the grand opening, we have ourselves a celebration. A big party maybe for a week! Wouldn't that be something?" She mused. "A real party for the whole county, if they want to come."

"Jonah, I don't care what people have to say about me, I never have. All I care about is getting these two projects completed and serving the county." She stated, "People can be so cruel, or they can be so nice, funny how that works. Funny how people can make something out of nothing. Yes I have support now, but as you well know Jonah, I've been called some pretty vile things, simply because I was not exactly the nicest person in Kalispell, but that was before I changed, before I saw a need I could do something about. Some do not believe a person can change, and isn't that sad?"

"Yes, yes it is." And people could change either way...'seeing the light' and becoming an advocate for good was just as easy as becoming cynical and cruel. As for Jonah, 'changing' was all well and good for others, but not for him. Nope, he wasn't changing, Leah and her optimistic tenacity wasn't changing him, nor was the odd assortment of characters here in Kalispell. 

No, Jonah Danforth was for Jonah Danforth alone, he couldn't count on anyone else to advocate for him, and he wasn't sure he deserved to be advocated for.

"So, um...it's their loss, if they don't want to accept you for whom you are, or see what you are doing for the community here. No one else is trying to build a hospital or an orphanage...the town owes you, but I think most of them know that."

And she was strong enough not to let things get to her.