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.

Aaaaahhhhhh, small towns

She rolled up to the side door of the Fix It Shop.

"Are you Bob?" she asked.

Bob was just locking up for the day. "Yes, I'm Bob. What can I do for you?"

"Well, I saw your ad in the paper a while back, but I lost your number. I couldn't find your shop so I called the newspaper and they told me where you are. I am so happy to find you. I have a riding lawn mower and a regular mower that both need repair. Do you do pick up?"

Of course Bob does pick ups. Most folks cannot bring their large riding mowers to the shop and he has the equipment to do this service.

Mr Fixit has far too many lawn mowers, bikes, motorcyles and chain saws needing repair at this time so he may not be speedy, but he is efficient, reasonable and saves locals a drive to Rapid City.

Thank you, Mr. Fixit, for opening shop in our small town, where the newspaper knows your name and knows your address.