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?
Most likely, we aren't going to be good at something at the start. But that shouldn't stop us from trying.
August 2025 Volunteer of the Month Bruce McDowell can be found walking around McCook for his health, to be helpful or maybe even attend a meeting.
It takes work and effort to be social but its vital to our community.
McCook's young people are shaping their hometown through a various projects.
MCFF Summer Hometown Intern Natalie Roberts shares how her perspective on McCook changed over the past few months.
With the McCook Aquatic Center closing soon for the season, another tradition - Mr. Bill and his 25-cent snow-cones - will likely be coming to an end soon too.
McCook among five Nebraska communities in Revitalize and Thrive Program
Getting Outside of National Night Out Nearly everyone can tell you their last interaction with the police or the fire department. And unfortunately because of the nature of the organizations, it is usually not at a positive moment. My last contact with the McCook Police Department was just a few weeks ago, when I was pulled over on B Street in McCook…on my scooter. I pulled into the wrong lane when making a turn, which is illegal. But in my defense, it was an act of self-defense to just get through the intersection of East B and Sixth streets alive. Since the drivers haven’t seen a stop-light since Holdrege, cars and semis regularly run the traffic light, which makes me a wee bit vulnerable as I pass through the lanes. I got off with a warning but the true punishment were the texts throughout the day from everyone who saw me with my scooter and the police officer. Since most exchanges with police and fire are not on good terms, National Night Out was created to have an evening of positive interactions, to remind the public that the police and fire departments are just normal people, doing their jobs, looking out for their friends and neighbors, trying to create a safe community for everyone. National Night Out is designed to simply join your friends and neighbors for an evening of fellowship and fun. It is an opportunity to meet local law enforcement, creating safer and more caring neighborhoods. McCook is joining thousands of other communities across the country in hosting National Night Out, which typically takes place on the first Tuesday of August every year. Planned for Tuesday, Aug. 5 from 5:30-7 p.m. in and around Norris Park in McCook, the night includes a bike parade, a walk, awards for bike decorating, desserts and more. In other words, it is simply a block party to hang out. Numerous organizations have come together to make the evening possible. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and the McCook Rotary Club are hosting a bike parade that starts at 6 p.m. Linda Maiden with State Farm, a bicycle helmet advocate, will also be in Norris Park. The streets around Norris Park will be shut down to provide a safe area to ride, as well as more space to cruise around the block. Participants are encouraged to decorate their bike, scooter, roller skates or anything on wheels. This could mean streamers, pompom balls, markers or even the old classic - playing cards in the spokes of your wheels. Some supplies will be available at the park for use if you show up and realize you are the most underdressed person at the party. If your bike has an inch of dust on it, this is a great time to get it out, wipe it off and get it rolling. And if your bike needs minimal fixes like a flat tire or a brake adjustment, bike tools will be on hand along with myself and my hubbie, who know just enough about bike repair to be dangerous but did manage a 300-plus mile bike ride last week so we must be doing something right. But let’s say you don’t have a bike or biking isn’t your cup of tea? Then you are still encouraged to join the “Walk in the Park,” hosted by Community Hospital. Designed to encourage a healthy lifestyle, walkers will stroll around the park and the neighborhood at whatever pace you feel like with strollers and dogs on leashes welcomed. And perhaps most importantly, there will be a chance to meet members of the McCook Police and Fire Department, getting to see police cars and fire engines close-up in a non-emergency manner, always the best way to see them. And if the weather cooperates, there may be a fire hose, water and spraying involved. If you have been at the Culbertson Fourth of July parade, you know it is up to you to stay out of the line of fire if you want to remain dry. We all have excuses for why we don’t want to go out at night, especially after a long day at work. But National Night Out in McCook on Aug. 5 is a great reason to get out your bicycle and lace up your walking shoes. Hang out with your friends, get to know your neighbors and meet your first responders. That is what makes our communities just a little bit better.
Judy McCune named July 2025 McCook volunteer of the month
Joyce Anderson named June 2025 McCook Volunteer of the Month
