You have to be tough to live in North Dakota.
Along with the struggles of a springtime, three-day blizzard comes the blessing of the strength, courage, and giving nature of our people.
We accumulated about 2 feet of snow here in Beach, ND. I hear there is more in other parts of the state.
Some of us were literally trapped in our homes. The streets were blocked and our cars were buried.
For the past two days, Tom made an attempt to dig us out. He didn’t get too far. The drifts were just too deep.
Today, I got the name of someone who could help. It’s a beautiful site to see two young guys show up in bobcats and start moving away the snow.
What snow they couldn’t move by machine they shoveled away. You have to admire the stamina and the work ethic of the North Dakota people.
For many years, I had a best friend here in Beach. Her name was Beverly Sue Remillong. Bev Sue always had my back. She watched over me and mine like a mother hen.
She is in heaven now. I miss her everyday. So today when Bronson Stroud, Bev Sue’s grandson, showed up with his buddy Brandon to dig us out, it felt as if she was still sending people to help me.
I do admire the people of North Dakota. My heart and my prayers this week have been and continue to be with our ranchers, our emergency service people, road crews, and anyone who had to work outside.
I was asked more than once this week if I am ready to move back to California. The answer is no.
I can deal with a storm here and be blessed with the strong good people who are my family, friends, and neighbors.
Stamina is instilled in the North Dakota people. It comes from their ancestors. It is a lesson well taught and well learned.
This was Easter week…Celebration plans changed a bit, but the root of it all is unchanging.
He is risen. We’re all good.
Life is good today. ■