Farmer offers his services as a 'free listener'

When a Kalispell-area farmer advertised himself as a "free listener" with the time and ear to listen, he wasn't sure what to expect.

What's he's found in the week since the local classified ad first ran is that during these tough times, there are many people who just need a chance to tell their story.

"Sometimes people need to talk to a complete stranger who's not judgmental," said Les, who refers to himself in the ad as "a local farmer waiting for spring. "There are people out there who are just lost."

He decided to post his advertisement, which promises "no judgment, no advice, no preaching, just a sympathetic ear" and lists his cell-phone number, after he heard his pastor at Christian Center tell about a man in California who started a similar service, but charged a fee to make a living.

Les doesn't charge for his listening service. He said he has gained far more than he's given.

"This is a huge reward for just a little time," he said. "It's a minimal investment, maybe 30 to 45 minutes a day. That's nothing."

The common thread running through all the stories he's heard from locals down on their luck is that they don't have family members nearby and aren't rooted in their communities.

In other words, they have no one.

A self-described "low-key guy," Les has advised some callers to seek professional help. For most callers, just having a chance to talk makes them feel better.

Right now, he's waiting for spring field work to begin and has the extra time. He doesn't know how long he'll continue his listening service.

"I would encourage anyone to do this," he said. "It doesn't take much."