Life in "The 'Hood"....OMAHA!!!!!!!

     Blessedly, we live on a block very similar to the one I was raised on in Winner. It's a quiet block as far as traffic is concerned. The pavement on the south end of Circle Line Drive  abruptly transitions to gravel and dirt (mostly dirt) and this dirt then takes a turn east, making a small loop up to Main Street.  It's safe to say you don't travel on Circle Line Drive unless you live here or you are out for a casual drive through the town and you want to see what's going on "down by the tracks...."

     Finding housing in Onida is a tricky, tiring task.  Houses sell via text messages, over a cocktail at the Blue Goose, and on Facebook posts. There are cheers of relief when someone scores a place to live, only to be followed by collective groans from those unaware of  the available real estate.  There were two homes for sale when the old ball coach brought us to town.  Two.  And only by the grace of God, some really good friends, a young accountant, and the local banker did we end up on this amazing block I affectionately call "The 'Hood". 

      We live in the Larson home. While we have been here 11 years this month, it will forever be the "Larson" home to the natives, and that's okay.  Larry built the home and he should get the credit.   It withstood three active, athletic boys and their friends.  I have friends who spent time here as they were growing up and I love to hear their stories about the place we have adopted as our home. It appears that our home hosted parties, kids, and Larry's hunting bounties.  Larry Larson is on my short list of people I wish I would have had the honor to meet. No one shares a story with me about Larry without a smile.   One day shortly after we moved in, the boys and their friends were running in and out of the worn, white double doors.  I heard a man's voice yell out to me as I stood in the yard, "Man, Larry would be proud. He loved kids and he would love seeing those kids in his house. Welcome to the neighborhood."  It was Gary.  He was letting me know that this house was well-equipped for our insanity. 

 

      Our neighborhood is a wonderful collection of folks--young and old, quiet and crazy.  Most of us are working outside the home so things are calm during the day on Circle Line Drive.  There is a slight buzz of traffic around 7:50 AM as we all shimmy off to work, and we trickle back home in shifts arriving back anywhere from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM.  Mark, Craig,  Scott C., and Gary keep later hours depending on the season, weather, farming, or ball game schedule.  There are bank tellers, accountants, insurance agents, grain bin engineers, antique experts, bank presidents, farmers, stock contractors, administrative assistants,  hospital administrators, postmasters,  a Yankees fan extraordinaire,  and teachers that roost here.  We are home to a State Rodeo Queen, the newest University of Tennessee women's basketball manager, an up and coming student in the cattle showmanship world, a soon-to-be doctor raising twins, (Can you imagine?), new and returning college students, two adorable young girls with spunk and spirit who come to visit (thankfully), and some Charger state champions. There is much to celebrate and love in this place I like to call "The 'Hood", but we have also shared much heartache as three of the eight families have said good bye to young adult children....Our little neighborhood has seen the best and worst this old world has to offer.  

      Some of the best times are spent in the street.  Literally.  We stand in the street and visit, solve world problems, catch up on community news, (okay, okay, gossip), make fun of each other, offer advice, and enjoy a break from the daily grind. The visits may start with just a few neighbors and grow as the sun goes down and the community news heats up, but they most always take place right in the middle of the block on the street. There were many discussions and fingers pointed when it was mowing season.  A former 'Hood resident, Dick, kept EVERYONE on their toes as far as lawn care was concerned.  Once he mowed, it was the domino effect and Dick took a lot of grief for staring the mowing cycle each spring. There were grumblings around the block when Dick pulled the mower out each April.   Once Dick started mowing, it was lawn care season whether you were ready or not. 

     The block has it's idiosyncrasies also.  We are not above running out to our cars in just a towel because we left our suitcase there after arriving home late or entering a home to borrow an egg (or a beer) without permission. We hang signs, share food, and help the Senftners cut down trees and fix things because they can't or don't have the tools....(That is an entirely different subject I may tackle on here some day.)  On any given Friday, you will hear the local bank president, with his mild mannered voice, yell "OMAHA" out to the quarterback on his way to school. And the quarterback, another quiet soul, responds.   On this fair street, you can actually run across the street and bother the  accountant with your last minute tax return and he still speaks to you and delivers it on time.  Of course, I am only going on the stories I've heard about that one...But I'm sure , I KNOW this is true. 

     This summer it was announced that not one, but two families were leaving the confines of Circle Line Drive.  I do not remember giving them permission to leave the fold.  There was no gathering in the street, or meeting of the minds where this was announced.  Nope.  Those folks just decided to post a picture of their homes and put them on Facebook with a little blurb stating these abodes were, "For Sale". Can you believe it?  I will admit when I logged on to Facebook and saw the familiar view from my front window in a Facebook post this spring it really didn't register right away.  Then I read the text accompanying these pictures.  My heart sunk and I shed a few tears.  It had been a tough day at school and the whole senior mom/empty nest thing was slowing creeping up on me.  I did not need this. I need them living right where they have since the day we moved in. 

  

     Mike and Kellie and their collective posse of kids and extended family are folks who make you better just by knowing them.  They are generous, kind, and the Webster's definition of neighbor.  Their home has always been open if we needed anything--food, an extra bed,a visit, or a hug.  Mike was one of Tate's mentors for his senior project and offered our young high school kid a remarkable job experience following his graduation.  He loves kids, problem solving, sports, NASCAR, and community projects.  He has a kind heart and has been someone we have relied on for many things since we moved here.   Kellie would do anything for anyone. Truthfully one of the most generous souls you would ever meet. Her talents are many and her glass is always not half, but three-quarters full. She is currently working full time AND completing her Masters and still manages to get more done in one day than I do in three. They share four awesome children--Spencer, Brielle, Alex, and Jaxon whose presence on this block have made our time here joyful and fun. The driveway hoop contests will forever be some of my favorite memories--how Mike always won those HORSE contests is beyond me. :) 

 

    Mike and Kellie have constructed their "dream house".  Thankfully, still in the 57564, but not on this block.  They are  CLEAR across town about a mile....but we will miss them dearly.  I am happy for them as I know this has always been something they had hoped to do and with their family expanding, it is a great move.  I took a tour a few weeks ago and even at 75% done, it was gorgeous. A beautiful, open space that will bring them much enjoyment.  I cannot wait to see it after Kellie puts her decorative touch on the space. It will be a masterpiece of decor and love.

  

    In about an hour, the old ball coach and his football posse will be helping Mike and Kellie move some of their things.  I awoke Saturday morning to see a small army moving some boxes and it brought some tears to my empty-nesting eyes.  Because we had plans to go visit Scott for a parent event at the college, we could not help them and for that, I feel badly.  I watched as boxes and family moved their current life's treasures into the trailer and my heart hurt a bit.  I know they aren't moving far, but there is nothing like familiar surroundings.  And Mike and Kellie were our familiar--along with the other precious folks that make up our "Hood.

      There will also be new 'Hood inhabitants at Dennis and Judy's home in the future.  They are the wise, welcoming neighbors at the very end of the block.  They are some of the very best folks who have made the easy decision to move closer to their children. Oh who am I kidding, I mean their GRANDCHILDREN!  They will be taking their collection of gorgeous antique furniture, Denny's patient manner, and Judy's decorating style to Madison where they will be surrounded by a beautiful bevy of grand kids who will keep them busy and active and loved.  I smile thinking about all the ball games Denny will get to take in, and Judy will love being so close to the many school activities and funky yard sales that this part of the state offers.  I can only imagine the amazing things she and Summer will be creating.  It will be different to see someone else's car parked in the driveway, but they too, are making a great move for their family. <3

   I am so happy to know that 708 Circle Line Drive will be welcoming a new family soon....I can only pray to be half the neighbors to them that Mike and Kellie were to us. I have no excuse, I was learning from some of the best these past eleven years.  We look forward to seeing Tracy, Dusty and Hunter in "The 'Hood" soon....Here's hoping you love being here. We are kind of an acquired taste.... give us time! <3

    So for you Mike, because that QB is not here to do it.....

OMAHA!

    P.S.  It's Jenna.  Jenna runs to her car in the towel. 

Just Keep Swimming....The Last Nineteen Years

     He arrived, a few weeks early, in the midst of a bitter, bone-chilling cold spell and tons of snow.  He will depart a few weeks earlier than his classmates in the midst of the heat and humidity that only a South Dakota summer can bring.  I wasn't really prepared for his early arrival, and I am definitely not ready for his departure.  Mark had to run uptown earlier this evening and he asked me if I needed anything.  I bluntly replied, "Yeah, can you bring me back the last nineteen years of my life?"  He gave me a faint grin and said, "Yeah, I know.  I wish I could."

     The weeks leading up to this date have been busy--last minute paperwork, emails, signing up for student loans (gulp), and registering for classes.  We have purchased his "dream" laptop, a new comforter, some containers, and cleaned up his brother's dorm fridge.  Doctor appointments, an oil change on the (hopefully) trusty Explorer, and the much overdue "gutting" of the boar's nest he calls his room, also occurred in various shifts over the last few weeks.   We have confirmed what we already knew--he has too many t-shirts and socks and he uncovered a pair of boxers from the nest that I am positive haven't fit him since third grade.  

    We had a terrible time deciding on a name for him; for both boys actually, but especially him.  I will never forget when one of my colleagues stopped up to the hospital to visit after he was born and she asked me what we had named him.  I said we hadn't decided yet.  Her response still makes me laugh. "Lynn, how can you not have a name for him? You've known for nine months you were going to have a baby." (In my defense, he was three weeks early--I was denied those last weeks to shuffle through the baby name book and watch Mark roll his eyes or groan at my suggestions.) Her words are dancing through my head this evening as my soon-to-be-college boy spends his last night at home for a long time...only there's a twist.."Lynn, how can you not be more prepared for this event?  You've known for the last nineteen years this day would come?" 

   I cannot imagine that anyone is prepared to send their children to college. I do a lot of reading and I've never seen a title like  "Sending Your Child to College for Dummies".  There cannot be anything that prepares you for this.   I think back to the day my mom took me over to Augustana (my first landing spot).  My dad was "staying back" to take care of my brother (approaching his junior year) and my sister (an 11 year old)--both perfectly capable of winging it for the day.  It was the Labor Day celebration in Winner--carnivals, parades, softball tourneys, and more. (Bob, seriously, open the money clip and give them a $20 and get in the car with your wife. )  None of the celebratory things were big on Bob's list of things to do, but he stood on the porch after helping me load the car and gave me a big hug.  My always witty, sarcastic brother was reading the Omaha World Herald, reclining in the lazy boy.  He ever so innocently tipped the corner of the paper down  and said, "See you in four years."   My sister was crying and I was too.   Years later my mom told me she cried all the way down Highway 44 to Parkston after dropping me off at Bergsaker Hall.  Claims she quickly stopped in Parker for coffee only because she needed some napkins to use as tissues.   I asked her why dad hadn't come along that day and she confessed that he told her he just didn't think he could do it.  She said he cried every night for a week.   It's okay Dad.  I get it.  Trust me, I get it. Oh, do I get it.

     Tomorrow  the "college boy"  and I will take off in the mid-afternoon.  Mark has,wait for it.....a coaching responsibility, so he will join us later in the evening.  I am looking forward to the drive--just me and my boy.  We have traveled many miles for many moons just he and I.  Ball games. school events. visits to Grandma Alice's house, trips to baseball in Pierre--all minutes and miles I would do over and over again.  I would start this journey over in a heartbeat-- no questions asked, and no location too far, because the little boy who once hated to ride in the car, has become my beloved travel partner.  We've shared stories and dreams and laughs as we've crossed the state following his dad's teams and his activities.  .There have also been times when not much was said.....he was napping, or listening to music, or texting, or maybe ignoring me, which is fine. I cherished the time we were spending even in the silence.   For the most part, it has been quality time.  (Just don't bring up the time I got a flat tire on the way to the big GBB game in Mobridge OR the time(s) the deer just jumped in front of my car. For during these events, my dear boy was, to borrow a new millennial slang term, " a hot mess"-- complete with tears and sobs. The poor kid just fell apart.)

      As his mom, I will always wonder if we prepared him enough for this next exciting step.  I certainly wasn't ready when Alice dropped me off some 30 years ago.  I was naive and comfortable in my hometown.  He is too.  He enjoyed his high school career and loved being an SBHS student. This will be a big step for him.   Did we teach him enough?  Is he ready for the challenges and changes that college will present?  We pray he will be a good roommate--respectful of the shared space and property that is not his.   The people, the professors, the friends and fun await him.  I pray that most of the experiences will be positive, but deep down I know there will be some difficult lessons yet to be learned.Things we perhaps could not have taught him, but could we have warned him at least? What did we miss? Overlook?  He has had enough sadness the last few years, that I know we shied away from some of the bad stuff we should have shared with him.  His glass is always half full and he thinks everyone else's is also....but we know it that isn't true. And no matter what is on the horizon for him,  I will always question if we did enough to prepare him for this next adventure.  I know I had ample time to teach these lessons, but man, I am panicking here.   

       We've been in "Dory Mode" since Tate's death---and by Dory Mode,  I mean, "Just keep swimming.....just keep swimming".  We have paddled and tread through some deep, deep water the past few years. Sadly, I think we always will, but maybe it will get easier. We've been bobbling up and down through events, or sometimes just floating to survive another day.  There were days I should have been playing life guard but the "pool" was unattended, and for that dear boy, I am so very sorry,  You deserved better.  My favorite swimmer has done a pretty decent job staying afloat these past few years. Much better than his mother.  Deep down, I'm excited for you to jump out of this pool, dry off, and start your next big swim with a splash.....I know  this next body of water will be a wonderful time in your life. And I know you can do it.   And I pray we have supplied you with the strength and faith to keep swimming.....We are your biggest fans, your life guards, your water wings... and we want nothing more than for you to be happy and healthy.  You are ready for this, even if you think you are not dear boy.  Never forget we are here if you need us.... We love you. 

   (Side note:  After four long days, and playful threats from the business office at the Gregory Community Hosptial reminding us that he must be named before we could take him home. we finally agreed on a name for our little guy.  Scott Robert Senftner arrived at 12:45 pm on Wednesday, December 4, 1996.  That very afternoon, his proud big brother Tate confidently announced at CCD Christmas Program practice that we had named him Andrew and because he was so believable, Scott received a few cards addressed as such....Other names tossed around were Brock, Ryan, Derek, and Tyler, and obviously, Tate was gunning for an Andrew. None of those even sound right now. <3 )