Earlier this week, I was quickly flipping through my family’s mail. I came to a halt upon a letter from our health insurance company.
The first line of the letter said, “We understand that you have a child turning 18 in the next month - a major milestone for both of you.”
I honestly thought to myself, “Who are they talking about?” Sure, we have kids who either are in or have graduated from college, but the remaining three are still little kids living at home. But then I stopped myself, did the math and remembered, yes, I do have another child who will soon be an adult - perhaps not mentally but yes, legally an 18-year-old adult.
When did this happen? What happened to the past 18 years? Where did the last 20 or 30 or 40 years go?
Before I know it, the last three kids will be out of the house (and back again but that’s another story) and I will be moving into another phase of life.
Regardless of what phase of life we are in, it is always good to take a step back and reflect on what you have - and have not - accomplished in your life. But even more importantly, what have you done to make not just your life better, but to make other people’s lives better?
Yes, the days may drag on but the years fly by. And when it comes to an end - and yes, it will all come to an end - can you say that you made a difference in the world?
Maybe you are just figuring out your high school class schedule for next year. Maybe you are enrolling your child in kindergarten. Maybe you are that mom who forgot that you have an 18 year old graduating next year. Or maybe you just hope your joints don’t creak too much when you stand up in the morning.
There is never a perfect time to do something, just time. So it is never too late to help others and make the world an even better place to call home.
One of my favorite podcasts is “How I Built This” with Guy Raz. On a recent episode, he was interviewing David Neeleman, who has created half a dozen airlines, most notably JetBlue Airways.
Part of the interview focused on what made his airlines different, such as the first to issue E-tickets or making top-notch customer service a priority.
But the part of the interview that really caught my attention had nothing to do with airlines, but rather was Neelman’s reason behind why he does what he does. And it was a good lesson for all of us as the days and the years fly by: Ultimately, he wants to make other people’s lives better.
It’s a simple question to ask yourself: What are you doing to make other people’s lives better? What are you doing to make your own family’s life better? What are you doing to make your community better?
Or to put it even more succinctly: Do you matter? In other words, how will you be remembered at your funeral? Who would show up? What would they say?
At the end of your life, how many lives will you have touched? What impact will you have made? Will you be remembered? How will you be remembered?
These aren’t easy questions which can be answered with a simple response. Rather, these are life-long quests to be the best person you can be and to leave the world a better place than you found it.
And to make an impact, it doesn’t have to be a grandiose gesture. You don’t have to end climate change or revamp the U.S. tax code. Although if that is your cup of tea, have fun. Maybe it is walking dogs at the Humane Society or volunteering to coach even though you don’t have a child in the sport. Perhaps it is donating blood or volunteering at the bloodmobile.
Maybe at some point, it is time to take a step up to bigger projects such as building a housing complex or running for city council.
Regardless, when you start focusing on others rather than yourself, you will truly be making an impact.
As podcast wrapped up, there wasn’t a summary about Neeleman’s accomplishments in the airline industry. Rather he shared a theory he lived by: The more people you touch, the more good that you do, the more lives you have changed for the better, the happier you will be. Because in the end, it is isn’t about yourself. It is about what you are doing for others.
What are you doing to make the world - even just the little things you can touch - a better place to call home?
Jeremy Shaw named April 2025 McCook Volunteer of the Month
While the Bison Alumni Newsletter will still be available digitally, a new printed service is available.
During a recent performance at the Fox Theater by the Lied's Arts Across Nebraska, there was one group who was not thanked: those who showed up for the event, which is a big deal.
Mark Friehe named March McCook Volunteer of the Month.
Although the Bodensteiners no longer live in Southwest Nebraska, they are still connected and wanted to see if prosper and thrive.
From long-term projects to weekly events, you cannot say "there is nothing to do" or "nothing is happening."
With the goal of reaching 200 subscriptions, the Bison Alumni Newsletter is launching a subscription service.
Long-time volunteer Don Harpst was recognized as the first McCook Volunteer of the Month in March 2025.
McCook's youth survey shows that young people now value safety in their community, something McCook provides.
Building Connections in McCook Matters June in McCook will be abuzz with fun events including a Youth Summit, hosted by McCook Community Foundation Fund. Our young people in Youth Change Reaction will host the first Nebraska Community Foundation gathering for youth, which will bring youth from across Nebraska to McCook. While still in the planning stages, our students identified that McCook is great because of connections . Our young people easily recognize how critical this factor is to people attraction, to people retention, and to improve their futures. What I miss most about my high school classroom is connections with students and colleagues. In education, I taught first, second, and sometimes third generations in families. My husband, Greg, and I are not McCook natives, but I eventually knew who was related to whom and usually where the parent(s) were employed. Going to the grocery store meant greetings from students and sometimes their family members. I officially retired from my high school classroom nine years ago in May. When you retire, the most-asked question becomes “What do you do with your time?” I try to maintain those connections and make new ones by belonging. For the past seven years, Sharon Bohling and I have volunteered to help plan and organize Bison Days for our high school students, which took place February 10 and 11. It would not happen without the financial support of McCook Community Foundation Fund, plus the McCook High School, local businesses, and the talented people of Southwest Nebraska who say “yes” when one of us reaches out to ask for the donation of time and talent. I would venture that they allow us to be on the Bison Days’ committee because we both have connections within our community—it’s certainly not our computer savvy. Connections can also solve a problem. Recently, I signed up to help a local family in crisis. My morning plan revolved around delivering my donation at a designated drop-off place. That didn’t work out. Fortunately, I still work with youth in various capacities, so I know that Keri Wilkinson works for Camy Bradley. Keri was an organizer for the family fundraiser, so I walked in Camy’s office hoping to find Keri. She was not there, so Camy and I visited briefly. She knew someone (who I did not know) who could possibly give me further direction. Only in a town with connections are you able to interrupt someone’s business, have her reach out for you using her connections , and offer to keep the donations for me until Keri’s return. Another great example of connecting can be found over coffee. Dee Friehe and I are longtime teacher friends. During a chance meeting at the grocery store a few weeks ago, she shared how she was there following a funeral service and was gathering supplies to deliver supper to the grieving family that night. She also updated me on her group of adults who meet for coffee on Thursdays at Ember’s, which varies from 8-28 depending on the day. She recognized the need for adults moving to McCook or folks just wanting to get out to make connections . Dee’s husband, Mark, also hosts his own group of men who are new(er) to McCook. She regaled me with stories of their Christmas party and other special gatherings. Wanting to call McCook your home is solidified by building connections . Ronda Graff has written about McCook Connects which matches a McCook person with someone new to the community of similar interests. I earned my McCook Connects’ T-shirt welcoming a young family with children. We have since spent many hot summer days sitting on bleachers together cheering on our 4-H horse kids while they show their horses. Warning: I connected them with a “free” new-to-them horse. Be careful connecting with me or you’ll probably own a horse. You do not have to be retired to connect in this community. Volunteering is a surefire way to meet people. McCook has many civic groups looking for new faces. Attend a church here; we have many welcoming congregations. Go to ball games or school concerts, attend concerts in the park, learn a new skill through the college, show up at a Third Thursday event or invite the neighbors for a BBQ. Take your youngsters to story hour or Move and Groove at the library. Go watch an event at the Kiplinger Arena. You can even take it a step further: Make a friend or call a friend and invite him/her to go with you. It is human connection that keeps us healthy and happy. If McCook Community Foundation Fund can help you connect in some meaningful way, please reach out for advice or support. *** While Pam Wolford may be retired, she is just as busy serving on the McCook Community Foundation Fund committee and started a new Learn and Return Scholarship with MCFF, while stepping up to grandparent whenever the call comes in.
