With nine people in my household at one point, laundry was one of my biggest jobs on a regular basis. Just to keep on top of things, at least two days a week were devoted to sorting, washing, folding and when I could put off no longer, ironing. As you can imagine, laundry was a never-ending chore.
On more than one occasion as I stood over a lump of clothes piled high on my dining room table, I may have lamented on the number of hours of my life I was “wasting” on laundry. Hours which could have been spent on...oh, I don’t know...learning to cha-cha or writing the next great American novel or mastering my French accent.
But then my husband noted wisely - which he does every so often - I should see laundry as a blessing. I get to do laundry because I have been blessed with seven healthy children who are active and get their clothes dirty. I get to do laundry because we have enough money for clothes for all of them to get dirty. I get to do laundry using a washing machine rather than schlopping down to the creek to rub the clothes between two rocks. Instead of focusing on what was wrong, I could instead be grateful for what was good.
Of course, I don’t remember if he shared this bit of wisdom as he was in the kitchen doing dishes or if he shouted it from the living room where he was watching TV. Regardless, it was a good reminder that a positive perspective on your situation can drastically alter your mood, can change how you feel about what you are doing, and can determine how you move forward in your life.
By simply switching from the attitude of “have to” do something versus “get to” do something can cause you to view the situation in an entirely new light.
For example, McCook’s Heritage Days celebration is quickly approaching at the end of the month, which of course means the Heritage Days Parade.
The thought of “having to” design and build a float may fill some with dread. Instead, you could think of it as an opportunity to “get to” show your creativity and flair. If creativity isn’t your forte, think of it as an opportunity to reach out to someone who is good with crepe paper and balloons and get them involved. Or view it as a chance to sample a variety of different candy to toss to the parade-goers. You don’t “have to” try every flavor of dum-dums lollipops; instead, you “get to” sample them all, just for quality control.
Side note: Several years ago, I crossed an item off my bucket list with a visit to the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, California, so I am a bit biased toward parades and floats, but everyone should still consider entering a float in the McCook Chamber’s Heritage Days Parade at the end of the month.
What brought the concept to mind recently of switching from “have to” to “get to” was my involvement (for the fifth time) with the McCook Senior Parents, who have traditionally served food at the varsity football games as a fund-raiser.
When I took on the task at the last minute a few weeks ago, many wondered why I added to my work load. At a minimum, both my husband and I felt the food was a service to the community which needed to be continued. But it was also a simple opportunity that I “get to” do, not that I “have to” do.
As an added bonus, I am working with a great group of Class of 2022 parents who stepped up quickly to make the dinner happen on extremely short notice. None of these people “had to” do it. Instead, they chose to do it and eagerly joined in once everything got rolling. Not only was it a fun opportunity, I was grateful to be surrounded by both experienced and newbie parents, who chose to work hard both for their senior high students and for the community.
I realize not everything we do in our daily lives can be put in a positive light, but there are many opportunities to shift our thinking about the situation to an attitude of gratefulness, to celebrate what we do have rather than focusing on what we don’t, and to consider that we don’t “have to” do something - we “get to” do something.
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.
