AMAZING PERSEVERENCE!

A few weeks ago I watched a segment on CBS about a Minnesota high school girls basketball team, which no doubt millions of people saw.  Who would believe that a team that had lost 84 games over several seasons could become so famous?  But indeed they did, and for good reason!  Under incredible odds, they persevered, and won their first game.

The Climax Fisher girl's team started the game with nine players, but ended it with only three.  Five players fouled out, and one had played too many minutes in the junior and senior varsity games, and had to sit out the second half of the varsity game. Consequently, there were only three players available for most of the second overtime period.  Even the coach wondered if his Lady Knights could play through the impossible task of trying to win the game.  Amazingly, they made 12 points in both overtimes combined, and pulled off an incredible victory over Bagley, 62-58. 

Talk about jubilation, and unbelievable perseverance.  The coach, Jonathan Vonesh, said, "The emotions that were running through my body and the kids--there were tears, there was joy, the crowd was going nuts.  It felt like we won a championship."  How I would have loved to have been there!  I think I would have shed a few tears as well.

I'm a basketball lover from "way back", having proudly followed my older brother's great achievements during his high school years.  And even though we didn't have a girl's team at that time, I have always followed the game with great interest and enthusiasm.  Now that the NCAA men's basketball tournament is in high gear, and my favorite team (the Wisconsin Badgers) are doing exceptionally well, I'm enjoying basketball more than ever.

But for all the news of great victories and exciting players, I don't lose sight of the tremendous victory achieved by a small girl's school in northwestern Minnesota.  It was against all odds, and brought great joy to the young women who didn't know the word "quit," as well as their fans. A team and a story that will live on for years!  And rightly so!!

Thank you Lady Knights for your amazing perseverance!!

THAT'S JUST HOW IT IS--IN MINNESOTA!

This morning, as I dropped my granddaughter off at school, the snow was coming down rather heavily, and when she got out of the car, she commented, "That's just the way it is--in Minnesota.  When you want snow and to be able to go

 

 

 

 

skiing,  nothing happens.  But when ski season is over. it comes down like crazy."  She had just finished her first year with the ski team, and they wound up missing more ski meets than ones they competed in.  And all because Minnesota weather just wouldn't cooperate. It hadn't snowed in weeks.  Cold, of course!  That's a "given." But the presence of snow was practically non-existent.

 

I've been thinking a lot about my adopted state lately. There's a good reason for that.  As I plan a move during the next few months, I find myself reflecting even more than usual. We have a term here called MINNESOTA NICE!  I can tell you that it doesn't always apply.  I've used some "choice" words on occasion to express my dismay about rude and sometimes dangerous behavior on the freeway, others trying to cut in line in front of you at stores, people giving you the "evil eye" if you're not fast enough for them, even on walkways.  And I do realize that is not unique to Minnesota.  But what I will remember more than anything are the kind words and acts when you least expect them.  Today was an example of that.  I was carrying a heavy load of books into the library, when a kind gentleman held the door for me for a long time.  I told him how much I appreciated it, and his response was, "Don't give it a thought.  You have yourself a very nice day." It reminded me of a recent Facebook posting about telling yourself how much a smile or kind word or gesture means to someone. It can make a huge difference, and you might not even realize it at the time.

 

Another thing about Minnesota is that we have a state government that actually functions most of the time, unlike our Washington counterparts.  I feel absolute disgust with Congress these days.  But Minnesota is "delivering" to its citizens. With a nearly two billion dollar surplus this year, it's a nice dilemma to have about how that money should be spent.  I think the legislators can definitely find some agreement in that area.  Our governor is not flashy or charismatic, but he truly cares about Minnesota residents.  He's not worried about his next political office.  I'm thankful for that. He's refreshingly boring and productive! I'd like to meet him and say thank you one day.

One final thought--Minnesota has more natural beauty than

 

 

most of the country can even imagine.  From the pristine Boundary Waters Canoe Area, to the grandeur of Lake Superior, the small, quaint towns and villages, and the cultural diversity of the Twin Cities, I have truly felt blessed living here.  The parks and trails and lakes are unsurpassed anywhere.  And those Minnesotans overall?  They are some of the nicest people you could meet anywhere.  Will I miss a lot of things about this wonderful state?  That is for certain!!  Now and then I need to remind myself, in different ways, about what my granddaughter said.  "That's just how it is in Minnesota."  Unique and lovely and full of good people and places! Don't ever hesitate to check it out!!!