Truly a privilege to share their stories

For the sake of the New Richland Star Eagle and this edition of the Pioneer, I have interviewed two breast cancer survivors this week.

I feel truly privileged to have been given an excuse to meet with Hartland’s Ronda Staloch and Waseca’s Bea O’Brien and have a rich conversation about their experiences and their impressions. Both of them have overcome many challenges and shown remarkable strength, but are willing to be philosophical about what they’ve undergone.

Even more, they seem stronger for it; dare I say, wise?

Both of them were very open in their answers to the many questions an interview entails. They were friendly, gracious, forthcoming.

Even more, they seemed…merry.

Not in a “Santa” way, of course. They simply emanated a sense of joy one does not expect when conversing about a grim topic.

Both of them provided the reason: gratitude. Let me add “appreciation,” a recognition that every moment is one that might not have happened. A heightened awareness of the value of life. Therein lies the privilege, perhaps. They shared that awareness with me. Thank you, ladies.

Speaking of appreciation, I share the sentiment expressed by Marcus McDonough in the article about harvesting Arron Bartelt’s corn. He comments on the warmth and generosity shown by the 50 or so volunteers who helped with last Friday’s event, saying he’s proud to be part of a rural community where people are willing to set aside their own tasks and go help others.

Something else I find very pleasing is that WQ3D, the company George Klug works with, is getting wider attention. George, in case you don’t know, is the one who chose to test the “mechanical” water quality process on area bodies of water, including, eventually, Loon Lake. Watch for a story in next week’s edition about how the state pollution control agency is providing funding for a “pilot” program covering three lakes located fairly widely across Minnesota. This is good news for everyone, I think. Consider the transformation Loon Lake has experienced, and now picture it happening in many, many more places.