The following information was from week one of the legislative session.
The first week of the 98th session of the South Dakota Legislature in Pierre is over. I want to give you, my constituents, an update of what transpired.
Last week during a conversation with a few Hill City community members, I was asked what brought me to the Hills. I gave my standard answer: My family has always loved the Black Hills, and in 2021 God opened all the doors necessary for us to move. We moved in October of that year and really enjoy living here.
But then they asked a question I wasn’t expecting: Why were the Black Hills so special to you?
Generally speaking, I am a very reflective person. I think back on every day’s events, replay conversations in my head, share fun stories about things that happened and ponder how things could have gone differently. It’s not something I do intentionally, but rather the path my brain follows naturally.
Thus, the coming of a new year always brings my reflectivity to a whole new level as I ponder the year gone by and the one just beginning.
On Christmas day I was driving with Sadie in the car when an eagle flew within arm’s reach of my window. I had been praying for a sign from God to tell me when it was her time. I knew that this was the sign.
And yet I also knew I could not take her to the emergency vet in Rapid City because of what had happened to her there two years ago. So we waited. Christmas Day I did my annual hike up Bear Butte and she waited for me patiently in the car. We took pictures after.
China’s Communist government hates America. That may seem overly harsh or simple – but it’s a fact. They want to be the strongest nation on earth, and they see America standing in their way. Unfortunately, we have a President in Washington who is not taking this threat seriously. If he won’t protect the American people from this very real and growing threat, then states need to step up and do what we can.
In February, I wrote a column about my trip to Florida. This was not a winter vacation or a restful getaway. Rather, I traveled 4,500 miles to say goodbye to my grandfather while he still knew my name.
In 2020, my grandpa began fading from dementia. Slowly things started to shift. His memory was getting spotty, he was having delusions and often stumbled around the house looking for something.
‘Tis the season for Christmas movies and every family has its own list of favorites. Along with decorating the tree and shopping for presents, watching them has become a part of many families’ holiday traditions and the season just wouldn’t be complete without them.
My sister will be retiring at the end of the year after a long career as a corporate attorney. Two weeks ago I sent her a link to a song called “The Final Countdown.” She said it was too soon to be counting down but that I always have a knack for picking the right song at the right moment of our lives. I agree with both of these things.
I went caroling for the first time in years the other day. Despite the cold night air, voices rang out in sweet harmonies. There was a warm community atmosphere and that cozy feeling of Christmas. But what struck me the most was the carols.
Despite not having sung any of them in a year, the words returned to memory with ease. I didn’t need the music provided, and no one struggled with the melody. Which leads me to wonder, what is so special about Christmas carols that we remember them year to year?
