One hundred twenty years ago, the McCaskey clan first homesteaded its land north of Beach, North Dakota.
Last weekend, the family, along with a few of us they adopted along the way, gathered to celebrate those years.
What a wonderful family. My family and I were pleased to be included.
My late husband, David, grew up best friends with Jean McCaskey Lechler, now the family matriarch.
When he brought me here more than 40 years ago, the family immediately accepted me and my children as family. That is how it has been since our first meeting.
Jean and I raised our children together. Her mom, Dotchie, became Grandma to all of them.
Now adults, parents and grandparents, it has been our blessing to watch them continue to appreciate time with one another.
The day celebrating family at Bonnie View Ranch brought back many memories of celebrations long ago.
All of us loaded onto a tractor-pulled people mover and a couple of four-wheelers and explored the acres of the farm. We visited the site of Dotchie’s bench, a place where she sat many times to enjoy the beauty of the land. It is now a place to sit, reflect and remember Dotchie’s wisdom. What a great day.
My Southern California-grown husband could not have been happier. He commented that this family reminded him of the families movies are made about.
I think he was right.
Families in movies experience joy and sadness, but it always comes down to love for family and friends.
The McCaskey clan certainly fits that description.
Tom, my girls and I enjoyed time with them all.
Being stewards of the land is an important responsibility. This family takes that role seriously. From one generation to the next, they continue to pass down and accept the challenge of protecting it.
God bless the McCaskey clan and the love they share with all of us.
Life is good today.