Gratitude changes your perspective about life. You see the future, experience the present, and remember the past in a dramatically different way.
In the weeks leading up to the election, I have reflected on how life has changed in the recent past. This time of year always makes me think so much about my parents, who both passed away in the fall. My dad passed away 24 years ago and my mom passed away four years ago. My parents taught us to be grateful for the blessings in our life. I miss my parents, but I am grateful to God for the blessings and people in my life.
It’s probably for the best my parents didn’t live to see the current state of affairs. It is easy to get discouraged at times, but my faith in God gives me hope.
I am drawn to simpler activities, such as attending the small country church (Snake River Free Church) where I serve as a pianist and our family has ties. Not only does it feed my soul to attend church with fellow believers, I also feel connected to my ancestors.
My grandmother’s uncle, Benedict Ellefson, from Kragero, Norway, helped build the church in 1908 and he served as one of the first pastors. This fact makes Snake River Church even more precious to me.
Another favorite place of mine is the Kragero one-room school, near my parents’ farm. The school is located in Santiago township.
My great grandfather, Jens Ellefson, provided the land for the Kragero school, which was founded in 1897.
The state provided a loan for materials for $450 for ten years at a rate of 4% and pioneers supplied labor and craftsmanship for the building.
The building initially served as a school, a church, and a community center.
Last Wednesday, November 2, I was able to spend my lunch hour at the Kragero school on a beautiful fall day. Becker Christian Center students learned about history and what it was like to attend a one-room school.
The students made butter and sang patriotic songs, as well as having the opportunity to experience stepping inside in the Kragero school district 47, bringing alive some of their history lessons.
The one room school is located in Santiago township. The building is owned by Tom Barthel and his wife Gail Wilkinson, who graciously allow the school to be used for educational purposes.
Unseasonably warm temperatures were an added bonus on the day the youngsters made the trip to Kragero school.
Discussions were led by my sister and former student Judy Larsén and sister Ruth Chavez. Judy attended the Kragero one room school, along with five of her siblings, in the 1950’s and 1960’s, until the school consolidated with Becker schools in January of 1967.
Three generations of my family have attended the Kragero one-room school (my grandmother Lillie, my dad and my oldest six siblings), making it very special.
I love history. I feel connected to my ancestors when I spend time at old buildings.
The Kragero one-room school has a special place in my heart. The school got its name from the people in the area who had emigrated from Kragero, Norway.
These Norwegian immigrants decided there was a need for a school and held their first meeting in the summer of 1897.
My family continues to offer a summer program through Becker Community Education called Life In The Past Lane, which started in 1994.
We all have special and cherished memories from our childhood. I think it is therapeutic to recall and reflect on these simpler times.
I consider it a blessing to be able to share special memories and unique experiences with others, especially our youth.
