It was Palm Sunday evening and I was returning from a trip to Nebraska over the weekend. Many warm thoughts flooded my mind as I traveled along and reflected on the joyful events with family and friends. Suddenly, as I came to South Dakota, a winter storm greeted me, and I realized that the remainder of my journey I would encounter ice, snow, wind, and large snowdrifts before reaching my destination. What a warm feeling to arrive safely in a warm home, realizing that there must have been an angel guiding my pathway back home to the little home on the prairie. The storm continued for a few days and one realizes that we do not always stroll through pleasant valleys. As I realize this over a cup of tea, I thought about the many travelers who go to the Holy Land at this time of the year to travel that road to Calvary and also see the empty tomb in the garden. Pilgrims throughout the world, make their pilgrimage to the Holy Land at this time of year to worship at the many sacred sites. Perhaps uppermost in our hearts and minds with those travelers, is the fervent desire that peace may prevail throughout the world.
Episode 89: Heartland Surprises →
Throughout the years, the last week of March has brought to the heartland some surprises weather wise. This year, 1995 was no exception. Rain, blowing winds, and blankets of snow covered many areas of the heartland country. It was two years ago, the last Sunday afternoon in March that I wrote my first Warm Thoughts column. Early that morning flakes of snow covered the roads and prairie country. As a descendant of pioneers, I never dreamed the church would be canceled that morning, but I was mistaken, and appeared in church, as the lone parishioner. A first experience in my life. That afternoon in the solitude of that little home on the prairie, and over a cup of tea, I wrote my first Warm Thoughts column. Yes, I feel like celebrating, as I now share with you a few thoughts from that column. As I write these lines, I am also listening to my grandchildren who are here on their spring retreat from their studies in Colorado. In that first column, I stress how important it is to listen to the children. Reading to the children, and listening to them, can teach us many things. We learn so much from them and their needs are so great to have us really listen to them. I will never forget when I was reading to my grandson, a book about the tree houses and squirrels, and he interrupted me and said, "I don't want to dream about squirrels." And what would you like to dream about? "My grandma," he replied. What a warm and precious thought!
Episode 88: The Heart of Spring →
Happy Easter! Easter and Spring have arrived. As I write these warm thoughts, it is the week before Easter, and there are still some mountains of snow surrounding the little home on the prairie. My grandson, Trevor, who lives in Nebraska and who's spending some special vacation days with his grandma in South Dakota, is overjoyed to make an Easter snowman! Is spring really here in South Dakota?
Episode 87: The Wise Farmer's Computer Guide →
On a recent flight to Texas, I was seated near a retired pilot, and also near a very verbal young mother who's sister will be on that space flight going up on July 9th at 3am. Her sister is making this flight with the First Woman Commander. The retired pilot told me about his mother, who is now in her 90s. I shared the column on Live, Learn, and Tell, where I challenged you my readers to finish the thoughts on...at age 90. This loving son finished the thought, so here it is. "At age 90 I survived at all, but I forgot what it was." Thanks Lenny!
Episode 86: Time is a Treasure →
March. Is it really here already? Where does the time go? March is a month during which the season of spring is welcomed after the long winter. Recently I read some thoughts on time and what a precious gift, time is. Time is a treasure. Each day is precious with 24 hours to use as I choose, and to spend at my own discretion. Time is life's greatest asset, a generous gift from the Creator, yet not one hour may be stored for the future. And our affluent society, no one can beg, borrow or buy an additional day. Even the most fabulous fortune cannot purchase the fleeting moments, or call them back once they are gone. Time waits for no one. It travels swiftly and in silence linked with the rising and setting sun. Like a vapor, it is here one moment, and gone the next. Days disappearing so quickly that we sometimes stand in utter amazement and ask, "Where has the time gone?" If challenges have been met with courage, tasks accomplished to the best of our ability, and warm meaningful relationships made along the way, then we may say with certainty that this day has been lived to the fullest.
Episode 85: Springtime Blizzards →
Is spring really in March? As I turn the calendar my thoughts turned to the potential life that must be under the blanket of snow. We seem to need to have winter to appreciate spring and see life make it's appearance again. I love all the seasons of the year, and the beauty of the snow too. And even blizzards can be invigorating. I arrived home in time for the TGIF Blizzard, and was shut in my home as the north wind blew. It was another snow day last Friday and no school for many students. It brought back memories for me of being snowed in, and not able to attend school in that one room country schoolhouse when I was a young student. It was a time for family togetherness in that warm kitchen. It was the era of no TV and video, but we had our games and read and told stories around that round kitchen table. The warmth of the old kitchen range and the aroma of homemade goodies permeated the room, and gave me warm feelings of family contentment. A memory I will always cherish. I do believe every story I've ever read about the 1888 Blizzard, and the many heroic stories of our pioneers. My own life experiences have convinced me that these stories are truth and not fiction. Some days I think I may be one of the last pioneers to weather the winter storms and blizzards that are challenging, but those spring blizzards can be even more unexpected and challenging.
Episode 71: Little Acts of Kindness →
It is such a joy to receive letters from the readers of this warm thoughts column. Your comments are always greatly appreciated. I have learned that there are many who appreciate the art of poetry and essays. Recently, the following poetry thoughts came across my desk. I am not sure who wrote them, but they brought encouragement to my friend who shared these thoughts.
Episode 70: Skipping Kindergarten →
Now that you know about that humor box that needs a filing system, you may just be a little curious what gems of thought are in that box. I have always been blessed whenever I listen to the children. Consequently, I file away their thoughts in my treasure thoughts, along with that bit of humor that adds zest in my day.
I remember reading this poem, years ago.
Between the dark, and the daylight. When the night is beginning to lower, come the pause and the day's occupation. That is known as the children's hour. Amazing as it may seem, some of the greatest creative thoughts come to the children in the evening hour, and we may think that we are too tired.
Episode 69: International Day of Peace →
Remembering 911. America, a day in September, we cannot forget. The month of September will always bring thoughts about 911. On that day, each year, we commemorate the courage so many individuals exhibited when in unimaginable horror, we watched the collapse of the World Trade Center, a burning Pentagon and a smoke filled black hole in the Pennsylvania field. It was on that dreadful day 10 years ago that I was inspired to write these thoughts.
Episode 68: The Gift of Grandmothers →
Recently, at a mother daughter banquet, I was asked to read an essay written by an eight year old daughter. Laughter filled the room, and I was not so sure if the group was laughing at me, or the essay that I was reading. Since National Grandparents Day for this year is another memory, I thought I'd share the essay with you, my dear readers of the Warm Thoughts column. The young unknown author shares thoughts on what is a grandma. I will share thoughts from the essay.
Episode 67: A Mouse in the House →
"Grandma, I want to go to the farm!" This had been an earnest plea of my two year old granddaughter, each time I would visit her in her home in Vermillion. So this past weekend, it was her special time to spend at the farm and I was getting myself ready for sharpening my communication - listening skills. With great anticipation, Trina looked forward to her retreat on the farm. As we traveled along by highway, she often asked, "When will we be there?"
Episode 66: Poets of the World →
I began writing this column as I was flying 35,000 feet in the air, on my way to a symposium and convention in Washington DC. It was my very first trip to the nation's capitol. And I remember long ago reading how to reach Washington DC. I read that one was to go to Harvard first, and then turn left. And here I was flying by air to my destination and hearing those famous words, "Fasten your seat belts!" Yes. The weather was very warm there until on Sunday afternoon when I was to return home, that showers of rain fell upon the city. It was also a great joy to be able to meet with extended family at the Crystal Cafe near the airport, and share with them the exciting days at the Washington Hilton, where the symposium and convention was held.
Episode 65: Intentional Counting →
Some time ago, a dear friend and great grandma who has faced many emotional challenges in her life, shared some thoughts about counting. This dear friend regularly reads this Warm Thoughts column and wanted to share the thoughts of an unknown author, with all you, dear readers out there, somewhere. We live in an age where we have many choices and changes.
Some time ago, I heard someone state that, "Pain is inevitable, but misery and being miserable is a choice." In the school of learning and hard knocks, the following thoughts may warm our hearts, and perhaps motivate us in our own countdown.
Episode 64: Still Learning →
This past weekend I drove to the city of Vermillion, where I frequently visit family, and my little granddaughter teaches me some new things she has learned recently. While there, I also traveled down memory lane in my thoughts. What warm thoughts overwhelmed me as I remembered the joys I experienced that last day in July, during the Bicentennial year. How can I ever forget that memorable year in the history of our country, and all the celebrations in South Dakota too? There were tears of joy as I stood with my collegiate clan on that open air field, and the music of the USD song resonated throughout the city, family, friends, and the students. I had taught in a class for gerontology and shared the joy of achievement of my "Grandma Day."
Episode 63: The World in 1926 →
When traveling throughout the heartland of America. I was impressed with the beauty of the green fields. After attending the International Congress of the Family in Colorado, it was a joy to again spend special time with family and friends to celebrate another birthday.
I did not realize that the year I entered this big world, it was a banner year - it was family in Wisconsin who shared these thoughts on a birthday card. It was quite interesting for me to learn that in that banner year, a lot of things were happening, and prices were different from our present age.
Episode 60: Summer Holidays →
It was Christmas in June at the little home on the prairie. Family drove from various areas of America to celebrate together a few weeks ago. The temperature was in the 70s. Instead of snowflakes an occasional mosquito buzzed by and a few june bugs. No snow fell, but rain dashed on the tent where children played and slept nearby. Father Christmas or Santa Claus, did not even arrive in a boat or a sleigh. However, everyone enjoyed the festive Christmas foods in picnic style. Since family was widely scattered and work schedules prevented getting together on December 25th, we gathered together during good old summertime. Family traditions and celebrations for holidays and everyday are very important. It is a reminder of the good old days, when extended families lived close by and traditions were passed from generation to generation. Family means, “a sense of belonging” and people you can count on to share their time and values and care about strengthening family ties. Yes. It was Christmas in June, and not Christmas in July, as it had been in former years. Yet, there were the fireworks, the creative activities, the decorations and Snow Boots - the mama cat, and her kittens, including Little Snowflake, were the joy of the grandchildren at play. A lighted Christmas tree at the top of the stairs has gifts under its branches all year. What fun to open the surprise gifts and negotiate with one another. Laughter filled the Christmas tea room.
Episode 58: Old School Fathers →
The first day of summer. Good old summertime is very near! Next Sunday is not only the first day of summer, but it is also Father's Day. In our own special way, we honor our fathers on this day. We have very special memories, many memories touched my heart as I read about the “Old Fashioned Daddy.”
Episode 57: Moments with Family →
This warm thoughts column on family during National Family Month had a beginning as I was 16,000 miles in the air, flying over beautiful Ohio, and returning from visiting family. It was very special to be able to attend the grand opening at the Werner funeral services in Mansfield, Ohio.
Another highlight of my Ohio visit was to be able to attend the graduation ceremonies of my granddaughter, Rosa Werner. Six-year-old Rosa was radiant as she walked across the stage and received her Master's Degree in Kindness Acts from Kindergarten. It was so special for her two grandmas to share in that moment.
Episode 56: Celebrating Friendships →
A recent letter informing me about my elderly friend in Nebraska brought joy to my heart. In the lively 80s this octogenarian, who is 88 years old, was recognized as Nebraska's 1995 outstanding adult at the governor's conference. Many memories came to my mind of how her radiant faith has blessed my life and so many others. She is able to bring rays of sunshine into the cloudy lives of the people she surrounds herself with. She has an encouraging word for everyone, regardless of age and seems to always see a silver lining in every cloud. I am sure she must believe the birds always sing after every storm. There have been the trials and triumphs, and she will tell you that she couldn't accomplish anything without God's help, she gives credit to her faith in God. Cheers, Levada!
Episode 55: Decoration Day →
As we approach Memorial Day, our warm thoughts may go down memory lane and remember many of the patriotic holidays of past years that have brought joy into our lives. For many, Memorial day is the day of vacation, a time to travel, and perhaps spend time with family and friends, it is also a time to appreciate family and decorate the graves of our loved ones. For many years, this annual date was known as Decoration Day. It was early in May of 1868 that General John A. Logan, then the commander in chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, officially designated the 30th of May, as a day for decorating the graves of the comrades who died in defense of their country. Decoration Day then acquired its present, and more symbolical meaning of Memorial Day.