Impact

There’s this new twist on New Year’s resolutions going around...it’s called “Word of the Year.” Basically, you pick a word that is going to be your inspiration for the upcoming year.  I’ve always been one that enjoys a twist so instead of doing resolutions for 2010, I picked my word.

SERVE

It’s the first word that popped into my head when I thought about where I wanted to focus my energy.

I want to serve others by lending a helping hand when needed.

I want to serve myself by making wise choices about my own life.

When I think of the word serve, I can not help but think of my Grandma. My family has been missing Grandma since September. I miss her everyday. For real. I had no way of knowing the true magnitude of her presence on my life until her physical presence was no longer.

Grandma was the epitome of the word serve.  She straight up would help anyone before herself. The most impactful set of memories I have involve Grandma and Mrs. Cox. Mrs. Cox was an older lady who lived in our small town when I was growing up. She had a developmentally disabled son who most were afraid of. Mrs. Cox was odd; she lived in what could be considered a shack, she was a hoarder, and her appearance was disheveled.

Mrs. Cox had no vehicle. She and her son were outcasts. They were poor. They were alone. They had no way of getting groceries and other household goods.

Grandma saw this need and grandma filled this need. Grandma took Mrs. Cox and her son to town a couple times a month. She would take them wherever they needed to go and I know she paid for many of their needs out of her own pocket. I know this because Grandma took me with many times on her trips with Mrs. Cox. I was young, probably around five or six, and I vividly remember people staring at us. It never fazed Grandma a bit. She would just say to me when I was scared of Mrs. Cox and her son, “Amy, they are people and they need our help.”

Whenever we would get back to the small town, Mrs. Cox would always invite us in because even though she had her struggles, she was not lacking in gratitude. Grandma would not bat an eye and accept the invitation into her home.

I was sitting on Grandma’s lap, scared and judgmental when Mrs. Cox would ask me questions about how old I was or what I liked to do. I would try to not answer or look down when I answered. Grandma would say, “She can’t hear you, you better say it again.”  I wonder if Grandma knew just how much she was teaching me through her actions.  I sure hope so. 

When Grandma was slipping away from us, all I could keep thinking about was her hands.  Her serving hands.

The last time Grandma held my hand, I captured the moment.  I wanted to treasure it forever. 

I sat down that night at my computer and wrote this for Grandma.

Grandma left the physical world the next day.  As I was driving home from work, this was the sunset.  I knew the beauty and fierceness of it was no coincidence.  It gave me peace to know she was home. 
 

My word of the year for 2010...

SERVE
Because of the impact of this lady.

My Letter

Dear Garage,

I know you are out there somewhere.  We just haven't met yet.  I'm sure you are wishing for me just as much as I'm hoping for you.  I think we could have the perfect relationship; you could keep me warm and I would drive all over you.  I hope to hear from you soon.   

Not so patiently waiting,
Garageless in North Dakota

Pieces

The holiday season is gone for another year.  It's time to get back to routine and regular life.  I'm pretty sure that means I am going to have to get up before 9:00, put the junk food down, and quit going out on the town like I'm a newly minted twenty-one year old.  Ahhh...let's just have a silent moment.  Ok, I think I can move on. 

Of course The Christmas isn't just about getting and giving gifts, but it's still enjoyable to get and to give every once in awhile.  I didn't walk away from The Christmas empty handed; I got a fabulous new camera bag, some sweet gift cards, a "Keep Calm and Carry On" poster from Sister Pister (I'm trying not to think that was a hint), etc... 

But, bar none, the most meaningful gift I received was a handmade quilt from Mom. 

I actually think even Dad-o helped some.  He's good like that; a farmer by trade, the man also is one heck of a gourmet chef and will help Mom with all of her projects...only in the winter though! 

Mom put in many hours to create this HUGE quilt.  I will treasure it forever.  The quilt...not the hours.  I feel like she was thinking about me and all of the joy I have brought her over the years.  Maybe she even thought about some of the times I haven't brought her so much joy over the years.

Either way, it's nice to know that Mom loves me enough to make me something that isn't just pieces of fabric put together...it's pieces of her and my relationship.  Most importantly, it's pieces of her.  And, what better gift could there be than that. 

I am a middle child and have all of the middle child tendencies.  Because of this, I have to share what I gave to my parents.  I picked out my favorite candid photographs that I have taken over the year of our family and made collages.  I had them printed with a metallic finish on matboard so they don't need to be framed; they are all 11x14 and I think if you click on them, you can see them larger. 

One focused on my brother, sister-in law, their two, too cute for words, kiddos, and their ranching way of life.  A couple of the pictures from working cattle were captured by my cousin, Brian.  Have to give credit where credit is due.

One focused on our family's harvest.  Harvest is my favorite season.  We all band together and do what it takes to get the job done.  I even dumped trucks in heels one evening after working a full day at my real job.

One focused on a trip that Mom, Sister Pister, and I (along with some other friends) took this summer.  We loaded up the horses, left running water, make-up, men, hairspray, and most modern conveniences behind to stay in a one room cabin in the North Dakota badlands.  It was an AMAZING time of riding horse, laughter, testing personal limits, and bonding.  We called the trip "Happy Trails" and it is going to be an annual thing. 

One focused on Sister Pister because she is still in high school and lives at home.  She doesn't have that stylin' senior picture headshot on the wall yet.  It doesn't hurt either that she is extremely beautiful and takes a great picture.  She loves her horses, maybe even more than she loves me.  It's still up in the air. 

The final one focuses on everyone, in all of our craziness, from all year long.  It makes my heart happy. 

Mom and Dad-o seem to like them; Mom's been showing them to everyone, even the UPS guy.  They don't compare to the quilt, but I hope they will provide a way to remember all the goodness that was 2009.