Did you know that they are trying to put up a wind farm in Highland? What’s the big deal? It’s only Highland.

I mean who lives up there except backwoods hicks? They shouldn’t mind having their entire way of life invaded. I could write a book on the people of Highland and how wonderful they are, but I don’t feel I have to. They know who they are. I would rather speak of the place itself.

It may be “just Highland” to some, but to me it’s home. It’s a place where, as a child, I marveled at things like shooting stars and the sound of the “peepers” on a spring evening. It’s a place that gave me roots. Particularly for the 20 years I traveled around with my husband who is a Coast Guard veteran. It didn’t matter where we were stationed, we could always go “home” to Highland.

It’s the place where endless memories exist. Memories of Christmases, birthdays, weddings and funerals. I will never forget, nor do I want to, driving up Long Falls Dam Road and feeling a sense of magic when the Highland Mountain Range came into view. I felt so safe to be tucked into the valley at the base of those majestic mountains.

But, it’s only Highland. It’s where my daughter took her first step –-on my mom’s lawn by the pond at the base of Bald Mountain. It’s also the site of my mom’s final resting place. As much as I miss her everyday, I’m glad she doesn’t have to see what’s happening to her precious mountains.

But what’s the problem? It’s only Highland.

Kate Hatfield is a resident of Kingfield.