A Happy Customer

She dropped into Wild West Wheels with a very fancy, upscale baby carriage.

"Can you fix this?" she asked Bob.

"I don't care what it costs, just fix it. I have a new job and won't be able to pick it up for a couple of weeks."

"No problem", Bob replied. " I can see that I will have to order parts and that takes a while."

The parts and tubes arrived from Denver from the shop where the woman had purchased the stroller. They were costly but the women had said she was willing to pay Bob. It certainly was less expensive than buying a new baby carriage of this quality.

Bob fixed the carriage and called the women to let her know that her carriage was ready for pick up.

The phone had been disconnected. Time passed and the woman did not show up. The carriage remained in Bob's shop.

Then one day the customer finally arrived to get her baby carriage.

Yesterday Bob stopped at the stop light when the woman walked by pushing the baby carriage. She gave Bob a thumbs up and said, "Everything is working fine."

Another satisfied customer who did not have to drive a distance to have the carriage fixed or did not have to pay a steep price for a new replacement. Bob is delighted to have recycled and saved something from being thrown away to pollute the environment.

This has become such a throw-away society, Re-using and recycling is the number one reason Bob opened his Fix-it-Shop in Hot Springs. It is an added bonus to receive appreciation from a pleased customer.

The First Time

We were driving to Rapid City for a medical appointment. We had gassed up the car in Hot Springs, driven five miles and the car stalled on the highway at the busy intersection of 79 and 385. Somehow Bob managed to get the car to the shoulder on the side closest to the truck stop.

We were fortunate that we were close to the truck stop and could use their phone to call the emergency road service. Neither of us have a cell phone and have preferred it to the constant contact with the noise of the world, but today I would have been grateful to have had one. At this time I was thankful to have a dead car next to the truck stop with the obliging people who worked there. After our first call to the road service and four return calls from them the tow truck arrived.

During the first phone exhange the road-side service said they would send a truck from Hot Springs. On a return call we were told that the tow truck was coming from 40 minutes away. Why? It was a mystery but we settled down for the long wait.

Another phone call and one of the friendly clerks told us that they said that the tow truck had broken down! Soon after they called back once again and once again the clerk came over, sat down with us and said that a truck was coming from nearby Hot Springs. Finally they had contacted a local service! They arrived 15 minutes later and we arrived home within the hour. During our lengthy wait the manager of the truck stop visited with us and offered a sympathetic ear to our dilemma.

Needless to say I missed the medical appointment. This was a first for me, as well as the use of the roadside emergency service. I guess there is a first time for everything during a lifetime and it came after many years so I shouldn't compain,

I guess that next time we not be so lucky to break down next to a friendly truck stop and I am now considering getting a cell phone to use on the road for emergencies that could occur. This will be another first for me.

Sigh! There comes a time to adapt to the changing world.

Oh, yes, the highway patrol stopped to assist but drove on when he learned we were waiting for a tow. I doubt that he would have remained for four hours and four return calls. But then we never had to find out.

One thing I do know is that there are advantages to living out here where many are ready to help in time of need. There are no strangers when one is in trouble, at least not here in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Goodbye Leaves

And so once again we say goodbye to summer and fall. The leaves have colored and are falling everywhere. A few track into the house. The butterflies have flown south, along with many of the birds. The air has turned brisk and it is time for sweaters and jackets and the warmth of cozy bathrobes while sitting by the fireplace.

There is a sadness to saying farewell to the casualness of summer, but now it is time to greet the coming of the cold that sharpens the senses and reminds us of how change is inevitable. Along with this inevitability comes the promise of the return of the bees, birds and butterflies.

In the meantime some of the birds have remained to brighten the day. The blue jays have taken over the feeders and the solemn owl hoots in the silence of the early darkness.

The coming season is a reminder of the shortness of life and the importance of holding close to those we love and the beauty of nature in the world around us. We should never take life for granted, nor those who are important to us on our journey through life.

Goodbye to the lengthy days of light and hello to the season of snuggling in with a hot cup of cocoa, a good book and a crackling fire.

Remembrance of Ruth

It has been said that as we age we celebrate more goodbyes than hellos. That has a ring of truth. During the past years I have lost my parents, a bother, a sister and some friends. I welcome new friends to be sure, but the loss of the longest friendships seem to be the most difficult to experience.

This week I said farewell to Ruth, a friend who has been an important part of my life since 1993. We met when we worked together at an elementary school in the Hopkins School District. I was the school conselor with a strong belief in the power of goups. As the school psychologist she joined me in leading those groups. We parted professional company within another year but our friendship continued and grew.

We lived in the same suburb of Minneapolis and had frequent visits, sharing laughter, tears and joys. We walked together through my adoption, the deaths of my mother and sister, adding my father to our household, my marriage in Malta and the death of my father. I was there when her brother moved in with her after he retired and her grief at his early passing. My husband and I had encouraged her to add a bathroom downstairs while she was remodeling her home to add an additon for her brother who joined her and her mother in sharing a home. She continued to thank us over the years for that advice. Both her mother and brother made use of that bathroom as they grew sick and were unable to use the stairs.

My husband and I included Ruth for our weekly Sunday brunches. Ruth and I met with a monthly support group of strong women who had worked with us over the years as a school principal, a social worker, counselors and a psychologist. That goup of extraordinay women is meeting to this day and celebrated Ruth's birthday a few months before she died. Today these women are saying their farewells at her funeral.

As for me, my husband and I moved away in 1998 but through the years we kept contact through cards and phone calls and our yearly visit to Minneapolis where we visited over a lengthy lunch.

I will not attend her funeral today but I remember a good friend and grieve her passing. She will not be forgotten. Her absence has left a void in my heart.

 Ruth and I both missed those weekly brunches after my husband and I moved to the Black Hills. Our friendship continued through phone and letter. True friends are rare and I will treasure the memories..

Goodbye and thank you for the good times we shared.

Again and Yet Again

We watched every episode of Ken Burn's Vietnam. My husband and I both lived through those years but this series revealed things we did not know and also brought a greater understanding of the soldiers who fought bravely, the men and families who stayed behind and the people and soldiers of both South and North Vietnam. When this war was happening during our time we were not exposed to the depth of the cover-ups or the extent of the anti-war protests in our country and around the world.

Most importantly, for me, it reinforced the feelings that war is damaging to civilians and soldiers on both sides. Mothers lose sons, wives lose husbands, children lose parents, friends lose friends. Some wars in our history have been fought with honor and commitment, others, not so much.

It was painful to listen to former soldiers, anti-war protesters, politicians and deserters who, over time, changed their minds about a war they fought for or against, or the country they abandoned. For many the pain lingers.

My thoughts reflect on those who lead our counties. Do they know history? Have the lessons of the past changed how we communicate with our present day enemies? History has a way of repeating itself. If only the leaders of countries knew their history, perhaps, just perhaps there would be less fighting, pride and self-serving and more communication leading to understanding. We can only hope.

But then history often repeats itself.

Traditions

"Hello, Grandma. How are you?"

It was my grandson calling from Michigan.

"How is school?"

"Well, it is different from high school, but I like it."

Those words were music to my ears. I had loved college, not only because it led to a great career but also it opened my mind to another world out there that was hidden from me during my years growing up in small town, America.

"Are you meeting kids from other places?"

"I am and I like them all. Some are from Europe and many from Mexico. They have different opinions from mine but I listen to their ideas."

We talked about his classes, his new friends, his dorm and his job that helped him to attend college.

After our conversation I thought back to my college years. I am still grateful for the classes and friends who were different from me, with both expanding my thoughts, feelings and opportunities for a richer life to carry me through adulthood.

I am thankful to my parents who supported me during my college years and to my daughter and son-in-law for carrying on the ideals of the importance of education to their children. Learning is more than an opportunity for a great job. Hopefully it will be the seed for a lifetime of growth, continued learning and independence of thought.

Here's to my daughter and son-in-law for showing our grandchildren the value of a lifetime of learning!

In Memory of Dennis

"Who is that standing in the back of the room," I asked Bob at one of the many auctions we attended.

Bob turned around. "I think that is a statue or something."

I looked back repeatedly. I saw no movement. "I wonder if that is going up for auction?"

Then, at last, I saw the tall, dark, thin man with long hair and an outstanding mustache move slightly. I nudged Bob. "It is a real person. He stood like a statue for most of the auction."

Months later at another auction we saw the man again. Bob engaged him in a conversation and discovered they had a mutual interest in trains. His name was Dennis and he attended most auctions, always on the alert for train paraphernalia or for items that might be of interest to our local Pioneer Museum on top of a hill in the middle of Hot Springs.

In time we learned that he was the curator at the museum where he had worked for 38 years. His love of history inspired him to make many improvements to the museum. He kept the place spotless from the first of April until the yearly closing in October. He cared for it much as a parent for his child. This museum is second to none in our country for its displays of Pioneer history from the area. The above photos show rooms with collections of artifacts from a by-gone era depicting our local history.

We say farewell and thank you to Dennis Papendick, a quiet and unassuming man who devoted his life to the Pioneer Museum. He was a treasure who rescued our treasures from the past.

Enough Aready!

The soft music is flowing from the radio. Bob turned off the news a while ago and I replaced it with soothing music. It is a brief respite from the stressful news of late.

I am tired of the negative news from everywhere. There are the multiple fires raging in the West, the threat of a nuclear war, the starving fleeing from the chaos of conflicts and genocide in Africa, Burma and Myanmar, the ingoing war in Syria, suppression in Iran, Russia and many other countries, the dysfunction in Washington, the terrible state of health care in our country, Harvey, Irma, etc. etc.

If course we watch and listen to the news. It is part of our psyche to be aware of the world in which we live, but there are times when enough is enough and we need a break from the suffering of those not as fortunate as we.

It is the awareness of the tragedies on this earth that makes us grateful to live where we live with the advantages we were given. We could have been born in Syria or as an untouchable in India. We also could have lived in poverty in an inner city in our country. It is true that this is the land of opportunity, but some circumstances prevent advancement for many limited by their environment and lack of education.

I look at my life. I was born to a solid family who valued learning and a strong worth ethic. I received an education that gave me many opportunities for a satisfying, useful career that provided independence and a life of security.

As I turn on the news I may become anxious, but in the end, I am grateful for all of the advantages provided me and now, in retirement, to enjoy the safe and beautiful surroundings of the Black Hills of South Dakota.

No hurricanes, no wars, no fleeing chaos, and for now, no fires. Gratitude is the word!

Beginnings

To anxious and proud grandparents everywhere:

When your grandchildren go to college you can only dream and hope for a succesful future. The parents had the hands-on preparation for sending their child off to create a better world while you had the hands-on in raising them. You see your work carried on through the third generation. Therein lies the hopes and dreams.

You wanted to protect your children from the mistakes you made, just as they do with their children.
Perhaps you did and perhaps they do, but in the end those young men and women beginning their journey into adulthood will make their own mistakes. The hope is that they will learn from those experiences and turn them into learning for a lifetime. There is more to knowledge than the years spent in classes.

Wisdom and growth come through academics, living and making those inevitable errors. As one of these proud grandparents I take encouragement from the lyrics of the familiar song by Peter Tosh:

"But I got to pick myself up
Dust myself off
Start all over, again."

Next generation, may you keep picking yourself up and growing in wisdom for the rest of your years on this earth!

P.S.

NANCY IN HER GARDEN (PHOTO COMPLIMENTS OF ANOTHER NEIGHBOR AND FAITHFUL READER:)

THANK YOU, GINGER!

Bitter-Sweet

My kitchen window faces the neighbor's back yard. From early in the spring to late in the fall I enjoy a view of a perfectly kept yard. The flowers always give me enjoyment, from the reds and lavenders of the daffodils and tulips to the hydrangeas, sunflowers many others which I cannot identify. Each day I drink in the vibrant colors with pleasure.

For the past eight years I have seen the 90 some neighbor lady out in her yard, tending to her flower gardens. She has a small rolling cart that she uses when she spends the day weeding and trimming.

Each time she is out in her yard I marvel at how such an elderly lady can do this tiresome work. When she sits and takes a rest Bob or I visit with her while she shares her love of gardening. Lately she has been increasingly complaining about the stress of her efforts. It cannot be easy for a women in her nineties to continue this strenuous activity.

Today as I tend to the kitchen chores I look out that same window where for many years I have taken pleasure in the plethora of colors that I drink in for a lengthy season of delight due to the constant efforts of our neighbor. The sunflowers are in full bloom, attracting the birds, bees and butterflies.

At the same time I savor the sight, I feel a tinge of sadness. This weekend she has been moved to our assisted living facility in town. I will miss seeing her, not only bending over her gardens, but the sight of her walking her dog, resting for a brief time in her lawn chair or going out, immaculately dressed, to attend church or some other function.

She has been an inspiration to me and I will treasure the memories and, as long as they last for this season, the careful array of hues growing proudly in her back yard.

Thank you, Nancy, for the beauty you left behind as you follow a new path.

Completion!

A photo of the final mural completed last night, August 20, 2017. The orignal concept was by Bob Lee and it was designed and painted by Maria March. It is on the side of Bob's shop, Wild West Wheels and Fix it Shop.

Its purpose was to beautify and amuse locals and tourists alike, and of course to create a conversation piece. The mural, conceived by Bob, is dedicated to those who bicycle and motorcycle and to the town of Hot Springs, SD, a mecca for both.

The Bench

Bob's Fix  it Shop was filled with motorcycles, bicycles and lawn mowers all in line to be repaired. Bob is a one-man operation and if locals have patience and want to save money for repair, they leave their items with him.

I wandered into his shop this morning and off to one side was an old weathered wooden bench.

"Oh, you bought a bench?"

"No, someone brought it in for repair."

"I didn't know you fixed things like benches."

"Well, they gave the bench to their parents a while back and it was outside in the rains and snow. Their parents died and now they would like it fixed."

"What does it need?"

"Oh, there is a broken board and some loose joints. I had to get a new board to replace the broken one."

I stood silently for a few minutes, marveling at Mr. Fix It. He truly is into recycling and reusing. Also, I suspect he wants to restore an item precious to the owners. I am hoping as they sit on that bench they will have many fond memories of their parents.

Some stuff is too precious to throw away!

Half Way There

And here we are in Hot Springs, SD with the mural on Wild West Wheels half completed.
This scene of the natural beauty around our town beautifies the otherwise white, boring wall. Maria March will continue the work on Monday and we will have yet another mural decorating our community.

This view is the side entrance to the Fix it Shop of Wild West Wheels. Need anything fixed, stop in or call Bob. Also recently added are efficient, speedy, inexpensive, light motorcycles for sale. Use this side entrance of 144  S. Chicago for your repairs or to look over the new motorcycles. Bob is often out making deliveries and since this is a one-man operation, call the number listed if he is not available. Leave a message with your name and number.

You don't need to leave Hot Springs for repairs or motorcycles. You can stay local. That is the plan.

This is South Dakota

He came to the back door of Wild West Wheels Fix it Shop. He was tall, thin and anxious. His son was sitting in the cab next to him.

"I have been driving all over town trying to find someone who could help me. Can you get my motorcycle off of the back of my truck?"

Bob took one look. "No problem. Just back up to the loading dock."

Later his wife joined the pair. The man was uncommunicative and seemed in a hurry. Bob presumed they were camping in the area and wanted to tour with the motorcycle.

Bob looked at the license plate on the back of the white truck. It identified the vehicle from New York.

Bob interrupted his work on a lawn mower to slip the Triumph motorcycle off of the back of the truck. It took him about 20 minutes because the man needed help in parking his truck correctly in order for Bob to unload it.

"How much do I owe you?"

"Not a thing. It only took a few minutes of my time. This is not New York and this is the way we do it in South Dakota."

To the family from New York: enjoy your trip compliments of Wild West Wheels from South Dakota!

Flat and Proud

"Why are you having breast implants?" The nurse stood at my bedside after my surgery.

I was struggling with the issue since I had initially agreed to have the implants and was still in shock after my double mastectomy.

"I've been wondering that myself," I responded.

I was lying in the hospital bed, feeling alone and confused about taking the implant option. I was still groggy and relying on input from the "experts". Initially I was diagnosed with cancer in my left breast and had agreed to an implant since I was giving public presentations at that time and did not want to be lopsided. During the surgery they discovered cancer in my other breast which resulted in a double mastectomy.

I will always be grateful to that nurse who stood at my bedside and asked that question. She was the only one who challenged my original decision. All other medical or cancer personnel involved encouraged the breast implants, and later, after my decision not to have it, directed me to a store to order "falsies" to enhance my image.

After leaving the hospital and checking out the limitations and discomfort of plastic surgery, my husband and I drove to the suggested store that offered medical supplies for any restorations and was measured for the falsies. I was horrified to learn the cost.

"Medicare will cover everything," I was told.

"So what?  I was going to research this further, especially after another customer stood at the desk requesting a replacement item and was told, "We can't give you one of those. You have to purchase the entire box and Medicare will cover the cost."

My research began and I found inexpensive inserts at Sears. They were not covered by Medicare but I would not be bloating the system by ordering the very expensive inserts from the restorative store. During further investigation I learned about mastectomy swimming suits from Lands End that were far less expensive than those I could order from the store.

I paid out of pocket for everything and felt then, and still do, that I made the right decisions. Within a short time I abandoned the falsies and went flat and proud! Breasts do not define who I am.

Today the CBS Sunday morning show was dedicated to cancer. It covered issues such as research, cures and causes. One segment was of special interest to me. It was the one dealing with women choosing to go flat. So I am not alone. There are other women out there who have made the same choices that I did six years ago.

To make me even more certain, I have since learned that implant surgery is not a "one shot remedy". It is a lifetime of returns to the surgeon with many complications.

I did make the right decision to go flat. I am still me, minus some parts, and I wish I knew the name of that nurse who quietly stood by my hospital bedside and asked me the question that helped save me years of regret.

Whoever and wherever you are, Thank you!

Recoursefulness

She was about 15 years old - thin, brown hair with glasses. She hesitated, then came into Bob's Fix it Shop pushing her bicycle.

"I need my bike fixed. I fell and it is sort of messed up."

Bob stopped his other work to help the girl. He patched the tire, adjusted the brakes and replaced the broken shift control with a new one.

"How much do I owe you for all of this work?"

"I will charge you $20.00 for the new shift control."

"Well, I have to ask my mother for the money and I have to wait until she is in a good mood."

The girl took her bike with her.

Two weeks went by before the teen-ager came back to settle her bill.  She handed Bob the $20.00.

"Oh, I guess your Mom was finally in a good mood."

"No, she wasn't. I saved my lunch money to pay for my bike."

There are still shining beacons of hope among the newest generation.

Slow and Steady

It has been a year since Bob purchased the former "Robb's" building in downtown Hot Springs. During this year he has worked on the building and opened a Fix It Shop in the back. He recently completed work on the one bedroom apartment upstairs and is renting out the business section below.

The Fix it Shop is doing remarkably well. He and his partner can barely keep up with items being brought in for repair. He also teaches a weekly class to children from the Boys and Girls Club on bicycle repair, during which time the bikes from the club being stored at the shop are also being fixed.

And as of this week he has begun to carry and sell small motorcycles which are light, fast and suprisingly affordable. Scooters will follow soon. Watch for them.

All of this has been accomplished by my 80-year old husband who loves to repair, restore and keep the locals from having to make a long trip to Chadron or Rapid City. Being a long-time environmental enthusiast, his lifetime goal is to leave the earth with a small footprint. He continues this goal by helping others in this "throw away" society to use and re-use while using less gas and enjoying life.

Let's here it for use and re-use!

A Toast to Talented Youth

This one is not just a personal goodbye. It is farewell to our town of Hot Springs.

I worked closely with our city administrator for several years. At first we had our differences, but soon I gained respect for him and his position even though we still might have disagreed on some issues.

He could be counted on to respond to my concerns swiftly, and when appropriate he acted on them just as rapidly as the city budget allowed.

He took over the position as city administrator almost three years ago. He brought with him energy, talent and honesty. He also carried some attitude that offended many folks who thought him too young to lead our community. But lead he did. He and the finance officer built up the city finances. He strengthened both city owned entities...the golf course and the Evans Plunge facility. He brought transparency to local government, a remarkable web site for the city and encouraged collaboration among volunteer groups, organizations and businesses.

He leaves us at the end of this month to climb the corporate ladder as his talents allow. Of course we wish him the best and have always known that his time with us would be brief, but this goodbye is painful. Our community is largely made up of retirees. The young and talented bring a breath of fresh air and hope. I will miss him but am optimistic that many of the advances he brought to Hot Springs will continue and grow.

This I do know. He will continue to grow and make us all proud.

GOOD LUCK, GOODBYE, BEST WISHES AND KEEP IN TOUCH!

Gratefully Yours

We chatted about this and that. We told him about our town of Hot Springs...the struggles, the joys and everything in between.

He was the manager of the Olive Garden restaurant and had stopped at our table because our waiter had passed on Bob's complaint about his meal. At first the dark, handsome, young manager had offered Bob's meal at no charge. We thought it was most gracious of him.

One thing led to another and we spent a lengthy time in conversation until he was paged to another part of the restaurant. In a few minutes our waiter returned to our table and Bob asked for our check.

"There is none. You both get a free meal."

"But my meal was fine." I told him.

"That doesn't matter. The manager said he enjoyed his talk with you so much that he wants to offer you both a meal on the house."

What a treat!  Of course we will return to the Olive Garden when we are back in Rapid City. Such generosity is not unappreciated, and we, too, enjoyed our pleasant exchange.

Once Again

It's that time of year for proud parents to brag about their graduating child. They have spent 18 years of teaching, admonishing, warning, encouraging, disciplining and loving that child. Now it is their time to rightfully brag, feel proud and send out the photos.

At the same time these same proud parents are grieving and struggling to let go. It is time to send out that child that they have nurtured and protected into the cold, uncaring, dangerous world. At least that's the way it must feel after the years that they have provided a safe environment in their home.

Now is the time for the "bird to fly from the nest." In the case of the birds, never to return. Parents forget at times that their child will always remain their child, to cherish and worry about for the rest of their lives. Once a parent, always a parent. Once a child, always a child, even after "death do you part."

                            The last formal occasion before the son leaves the nest.

                                                        Congratulations to the parents for a job well done!

Two Sisters

She was an only child, bringing a lifetime of joy to her doting parents. They spoiled her, but she was not spoiled. She was generous, thoughtful, caring and loving. When she married, spending her life teaching and being a master teacher because of her excellence, her parents moved from their long time home to be close to the daughter who they adored. Throughout their lifetimes she shared her life with them and at the end of her mother's life she shared her lengthy decent into Alzheimers. She was always there for her parents. As their only child they were most fortunate to have had her in their lives.

She had two daughters that she doted on, encouraging them to follow their talents and their dreams. One became an excellent teacher, working with those children with special needs. The oldest one became at the top of her field in various industries, moving around the world to advance to the top, sought after by many companies.

Her youngest daughter lived near her mother, finally recognizing that her mother needed long term care. It was a painful decision but she moved her mother from assisted living, to a memory care unit until recently when her mother is receiving hospice care.

Both daughters were at her side when she went to the hospital, the eldest traveling from the east coast to share time with her mother.

Yesterday I received a call from one of the daughters. "My mother is in Hospice and they predict that she has six months to live. Can we call you tomorrow and you can talk to her? She may not remember much from the present, but she does remember you through the cards you send each month."

This morning I talked with my friend, the one who has been my friend the longest. After our brief conversation, her familiar cheerful voice brought back a flood of memories.I remembered when we became fast friends in junior high. She was younger than I was but we clicked in every way. We shared our hopes and struggles, double dated and had secret gatherings with friends at her house when her parent were both away.

After high school we both went on to college and careers and husbands, moving miles apart, but always keeping contact through phone, letters and visits. We continued to share about our spouses, children, careers and struggles, loves, hopes and joys.

She had her share of difficulties during her life. She lost her parents and then her husband at an early age. She suffered a life altering car accident, having been left with burns that required plastic surgery. She had the usual pain and pride of a any parent watching her two daughters grow, make mistakes and changes in their lives. She touched the lives of many young children through her thoughtful, patient teaching.

Now as the end draws near she has two daughters who look after her and care for her. I said to the youngest today, "Your mother is lucky to have you."

She responded quickly, "We are lucky to have her."

I guess it does work both ways. She, as an only daughter, shared her care and love with her parents. Today her daughters do the same for her. Her life has come full circle, but I still cry for my oldest friend. When she leaves our shared memories will be gone. In her case they have been fading for the past year. That will leave me alone to remember.

Heroes All

It has been over five years since the VA announced the closure of the Hot Springs VA. It was a puzzlement to many since our VA was rated one of the best in the country for servicing our veterans. During this time many services have been cut, including loss of doctors and other professional medical staff.

The community came together to save our VA, writing letters, making posters and signs, contacting our legistators and marching through town up to the VA. A committee was formed called Save Our VA. Some of the members went to Washington to meet with the head of the VA.

In spite of the rallying of the citizens and the South Dakota congressional representatives, things looked grim as more services were lost or sent to Fort Meade hospital. As time went on most of us slacked off, some discouraged, some busy with daily lives.

But during these years the people on Save Our VA have contnued to meet weekly, planning and working and speaking for our veterans. They had not lost hope. At long last there is light at the end of this gray winter. Much as the flowers have blossomed in purple, orange, lilac and white with the advent of another Spring, the announcement came from Washington that our VA would be put on hold while all the VA facilites are ranked nationwide.The best news is that our VA will be re-evaluated among all the others and we are a five-star facility, superior in every way.

There is hope, and all the members of Save Our VA are my heroes, deserving appreciation for their continual battle to do the best for the veterans using our VA.

The flowers slept through the long, bitter winter, but they have not died and have returned, ever a sign of hope.

Thanks to all of those on Save our VA who have not slept through the past six winters, but have struggled on so our town and VA can blossom once again.