by Amy Neurohr, NDFB Administrative Specialist
My Aunt Deloris. She loves animals, the color pink, and her moon boots. She dislikes meat, negativity, and wood ticks. She’s the unconventional aunt I never knew I had. She lived in Fallbrook, California, for the last 40 years. Three years ago, this fall, she realized California had become too expensive for her to continue living there and moved back here. And by here, I don’t just mean North Dakota; she moved back to the farm where she grew up. She is 87 years old, and I feel she is the poster child for coming full circle!
Having her live closer to me and on the farm has been a blessing. I’ve always enjoyed her visits in the past, so it is no surprise how much I enjoy having her around and getting to know her better. I have happily discovered that she also loves to garden! She has been the best caretaker of my garden at the farm. Whenever I arrive at the farm garden, she immediately comes outside to help — wearing her favorite boots. Moon. Not work. I love that we always have “team meetings” in the garden. Discussing what we are planting this year and where.
She’s very adamant about how the yard and garden grow naturally. For example, we are not allowed to spray dandelions in her yard. The fact that there is a sea of yellow everywhere brings her so much joy. I struggle to see its beauty but to each their own! I’m also learning from her what weeds are edible and nutritious, such as purslane and dandelion greens. I probably (definitely) won’t partake in consuming them and just trust her on that.
Not only does she have the sweetest disposition, but she also has the best attitude. Just a few weeks ago, she called me during inclement weather to tell me it had started snowing. Of course, my immediate reaction was to feel annoyed — we had just planted the garden! But not my aunt. She had called because the snowflakes were so fluffy and beautiful! She even sent me a video of them so I could see just how fluffy and beautiful they were. I then realized I needed more of her rose-colored glasses outlook!
If it hadn’t been for fate, God’s guidance or just plain luck, I never would have had this chance to get to know my aunt. It’s amazing how some people can come into our lives, and we can’t even imagine a time without them. Having Aunt Deloris’ personality in my life inspires me to be more positive and find joy in the little things.
myndfblife 