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by Loring Walawander (Author)
In the heart of Pennsylvania's steel and coal country, most young men in the 1960's followed the generations before them into the mills and mines-but Loring Walawander was different. He dreamt of Montana with its open spaces, soaring mountains, and crystal-clear waters. That dream grew as he dealt with the tics and twitches of undiagnosed Tourette syndrome. It spurred his tentative first steps out of the nest to college in Tennessee. It was an anchor as he came of age in a turbulent era, witnessing firsthand the conflict surrounding the Vietnam War and racism in the South. And it sustained him through the heartbreaking loss of his first love and his own struggle to survive a near-fatal illness.
Even after he landed a job in Wisdom, Montana, Loring had to learn how to keep his dream alive. The unexpected reality of harsh winters, sporadic work, and a tumultuous relationship challenged his commitment. Over time, and through the most difficult lessons life had to teach him, Loring found the way to live his Montana Dream.
What people are saying about Montana Epiphany
"By his twenties, Loring Walawander had endured more than most people will in a lifetime-undiagnosed Tourette's Syndrome, unrelated heart ailments that killed his first love and nearly killed him, a failed marriage, intermittent poverty. Yet hope and optimism, sustained by a childhood wish that this Pittsburgh boy would someday make a life in Montana, shine through on every page. For anyone who's ever dreamed the impossible, Montana Epiphany tells you that you can achieve it, and that it's worth the effort."
Gwen Florio, author of Silent Hearts and the Lola Wicks crime series
"In April of 1966 there was a story in Boys Life magazine about Boy Scout Troop 7 from Missoula hiking the Bob Marshall Wilderness. This story inspired Loring to move to Montana.I was hired to be the guide and pack the troops gear into the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Loring, a scout, read this story and it made him set his life's compass to Montana and its adventures. Montana gave Loring many challenges, and yet many successes along the way. The mountains and forests have lured many people to Montana. Some come for the challenges and succeed, while others fail. I am happy to be an inspiration for Loring's life story."
Arnold "Smoke" Elser, legendary Montana horseman and wilderness outfitter
