My 94-year-old mother-in-law hasn’t led an easy life. She had nine children before she was 30 years old. She and my father-in-law built a small dairy farm on a piece of land that no one else really wanted. She worked “off the farm” for many years to bring in some much-needed income and to ensure the family had health insurance.
And she has never lost her wit or willingness to enjoy life. Of course, she grieved deeply when my father-in-law died, but then decided to continue living. She still loves going to college basketball games and family gatherings. Recently, when two of her sons were discussing something in front of her she stopped them and said, “There is nothing wrong with my mind.” It was a reminder that she is still the family matriarch!
I love and respect her.
On the 4th of July, she and I usually watch the fireworks from inside the house. There are big windows and everything looks so fantastic. But, inside the house, we don’t have to deal with the unexpected booms, or the lighted punks I am sure are going to burn someone, or yell for the thousandth time for someone to not put their head over the firework when they light it!
Sometimes it is okay to just watch.
The children at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch do a lot of watching. They have had a lot of surprises and explosions and unexpected events in their lives. Most of them negative. To survive, they put up walls. They “build a house” around themselves and don’t let anyone in.
When they come to the Ranch, it is often the first time they experience people who listen, who have faith, who believe in them. For a while they stay inside that “house” they built, and watch.
Sometimes it is okay to just watch.
I hope you had a great 4th of July.
In His love,
Joy Ryan, President/CEO
Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch
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