*Ring, Ring*

Aug. 2026

I picked up the phone to call you today.

The summer sun was beating through my windshield. The streets were filled with boaters, campers, and 9-5ers heading into the weekend. Carplay was dialed up and for a moment, I reached to call you on my commute home. 605-842-1579. Just like I always used too, but obviously, that number doesn’t ring through.

Days go by, more restless nights as I enter the third trimester, and once again, I think, I should call you. However, I quickly smile to remember the moments just between us two. Picking raspberries from your garden, driving up to Aunt Cindys, or just enjoying the porch as the rays of sunshine beat on our face and the stray cats swipe below our feet. This reoccurring thought begs the question, “Why do I think I can call you?”

It’s been over 2 and ½ years since my Grandma Mary Ann went to the Pearly Gates. Growing up, her and I spent nearly every day together. Her and my Grandpa Gerald watched me while my parents worked at the United States Post Office in Winner. They taught me the patience in completing a puzzle, the friendly banter during televised sporting events, and the importance of welcoming everyone who walks through your front doors. In a world of unfairness, they were my constant support along with my mother, siblings, and other family friends. Someone who I could always count on to pick up the phone on a long drive home was my Grandma Mary Ann, barring that the smoke alarms weren’t going off from the fried chicken she left on the stove. She was always positive, even if she was yelling at kids in the back room or swatting away the “damn flies.” If I needed a smile, that was my one call.

I may be bias, but spending so much developmental time with your grandparents can be one of life’s greatest blessings. The comfort of Grandpa’s hugs (or in my case a can of peanuts). The warm smell of Grandma’s sugar cookies or homemade pies. The anticipation of who is going to drive down the driveway next. Being babysat for most of your childhood by elderly grandparents molds a person into an old soul. Honestly, I’m proud of that. I’m grateful to know Alex Trebec introduced Jeopardy at 4 p.m. I enjoyed dramatizing if Bo and Hope will get back together on Days of our Lives. Bored? I still love a simple game of solitaire. Those silly moments bring me the most comfort because the people associated with them never made me feel isolated. They always had a pot of soup on the stove, even if it had been boiling for the last 3 hours. They always offered a listening ear with years to back up their wisdom. Most importantly, they always had an open heart, something stupid to laugh at, and an understanding that nobody in life is perfect, especially the Minnesota Vikings.

So maybe that’s why I wanted to call you today. And yesterday. And months prior to that. Because lately, I’ve needed a lot more smiles. More people who unconditionally love without judgement. More people to root from the stands even when your basketball team hasn’t won a game all year. Someone to pick up the phone and just be positive and truly mean it.

Oct. 5, 2026 – Grandpa's birthday.

I miss ya, Grandma, but I see you this season in every homemade egg noodle, every squirrel roaming the yard, every cough drop, and every welcoming open-door policy.

I know your advice on taking care of a baby and raising a child would make absolutely no sense, but it sure would bring a smile to my face. xoxo