Yes, Hilda, I’ve been reading my mental “books” again, and I’d like to dedicate this week’s column to some ordinary people who do extraordinary things to make this a better place to live.
I started out thinking of them as “heroes” - and they are, but I save that term for people who risk their all to save or protect someone from tragedy, like fires, drowning and war.
Today I think of all those who serve in other ways, voluntarily or as a paid job, doing things to make life better.
One group that “comes to mind” are the quilters, who often put “rags to riches” to make covers or give warmth to the needy, the poor, the burnt out, the ill or “just because.” Hundreds, maybe even thousands of items have been made and donated.
There is something about a quilt that gives more warmth than an ordinary blanket. Maybe it is their stitches of love and concern. But the sewing ladies don’t stop there. They also sew projects and make clothing, because they care and see a need.
Then there are those who work so hard to feed the needy – Food Shelf people and those who deliver “Meals on Wheels,” along with those who work for many causes, running errands for friends, as well as getting people where they need to go.
There are also those who work for the Salvation Army, and the people who donate used clothes to the clothing drives, or give help at times of disaster.
Then there are those people who work and help raise funds for many different groups, organizations or events, so they can help others. Those things don’t just happen – someone has to light the torch to help spark the event. The Geneva Cancer Auction is just one event that quickly comes to mind.
And the churches. Where would our people be were there no churches, to teach love and empathy for others? They provide the comfort, the funds and moral structures that brighten our days and soften our sorrows.
Religion is almost as old as mankind and still going. There are those who provide the music, teach the children, serve for funerals, showers and weddings and than those who spread their belief in so many, many ways - even to those who are not of the same faith.
There are those who clean the landscape after others make our ditches a garbage disposal. When the snow is gone, the trash that has been so thoughtlessly unloaded is even more of an eyesore. I am thankful that there are those who are kind enough to help clean up the filth spread by others.
And what would we do without clean restroom facilities and rest stop areas? It’s certainly not an enjoyable job, nor one we think about often, but it makes our public areas enjoyable.
I think of those who notify, via e-mail, telephone calls or in person, and tell me about what’s going on. It always makes me happy when someone brings me information, especially happy news about accomplishments or achievements of others. Information I might not ever receive except for their kindness.
No, I did not forget our fire department, our first responders, our servicemen and women, our Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, and their leaders; Sunday school teachers, or the teachers and their aids, the janitors, the highway department workers, cleaning service people and caterers, painters, and I guess the list goes on. Yes, many are paid, but they are doing jobs we don’t want to do.
We can’t forget the secretaries and office personnel who answer phones and questions and more questions. I think of how many times someone was able to answer my questions or needs through a telephone call.
Never to be forgotten are the members of the American Legion, the VFW, the Color Guard who not only serve their county but their organizations as well. They offer their services at the time of Memorial Services and burials, and Walking parades even though you know their age alone makes the march tough. They continue to show their loyalty to God, their country as well as to their fellow man.
We can’t forget the many fantastic and amazing things accomplished by our young people who breathe fresh air in to an old environment. There is also the paper boy, the carrier for the Shopper, the good neighbor who cleans your driveway or mows your lawn, drivers, hands for humanity, crews who rake and do odd jobs for the elderly or disabled.
I could go on and on. My “book” is full, as I am sure yours would be too if you thought of all the good people who, in even some small way, make your life better, more beautiful, and more benefit filled.
Aren’t you glad when you can say a quiet thank you for people and their services, rather than crab about the things that weren’t?
I thank those ordinary people who do extraordinary things.
On second thought, I do consider them heroes. They make my day.
What is more important than people? Caring loving individuals who put the comfort of others above their own. Please remember to say Thank You! to the many great people who give and then give some more to help others!
Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented they like to read about events such as family and school reunions, birthdays and anniversaries, and birth and wedding announcements.
In order to read about these important things, we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us. If you have news please contact me via e-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., by postal mail, P. O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035 or telephone, 507-256-4405.
Birthdays and Anniversaries
• Thursday, April 18th: Ellen Hanson, Marge Leak, Peggy Wallerich, Tim Stollard, Tom Kaphers, Rebecca Lyn Peterson, her 11th; Brian Olson, Danielle Zamora, Levi Michael Den Herder, his 7th.
• Friday, April 19th: Elizabeth Rose Wallace, her 6th; Cody James Reistad, his 7th; Aaron Utpadel, James Bremmer, Jaxon Branstad, his 12th; Kaden Shaw Tonlinson, his 9th.
• Saturday, April 20th: Jacob Dau, his 6th; Sara Elizabeth Hemingway, her 11th; Steve Mumm, Brenda Sorenson, Kathy Haberman, Jennie Korsbon, Paul & Jennifer Wayne, Don & Delores Glynn.
• Sunday, April 21st: Helen Pierce, Michael Foster, Veronica Graif, Adrian Kilian, Marilyn Reistad, Elmer Vanden Heuvel.
• Monday, April 22nd: Noah Lowell Swearingen, his 9th; Rollie Johnson, David Purdy, Gregory Swearingen, Stacy Thostenson Harold, James Van Riper, Marilyne Dodge, Mike & Sarah Collins, Rodger & Sue Hill.
• Tuesday, April 23rd: Dan McElfresh, Jayne Miller, Buffy Bergland, Alan Edwardson, Jackie Johnson Miller.
• Wednesday, April 24th: Keralyn & Bill Powers, Madison Kae Wagner, Marnie Ray Wagner, Dak Sorenson, Gladys Burr, Marilyn Cuden, Audrey Paulson, Lowell Wichmann, Scott Brandt, Kara Vangen.
May the year ahead bring you a world of pleasures.
