What is the most difficult or best aspect about aging in North Dakota?
CREATING MEMORIES
Although I still feel relatively young, the best aspect about aging in North Dakota are the fond memories of the North Dakota people.
As a teenager, I started a sheep shearing business. What began as a small venture quickly grew into a journey that carried me from farm to farm, reaching every corner of the state. Each day brought new introductions, lasting friendships and a deeper appreciation for the diversity and character of North Dakota and its communities.
Now in my 49th season traveling the state, nearly every road I take holds a memory of someone. In almost every town, I meet familiar faces. Many people know me and the work I have done over the years. I often make time to visit longtime customers, sometimes stopping at nursing homes to reconnect and reminisce.
I no longer shear sheep to make a living. Yet, I continue to travel the state, offering my services. Over the years, many clients have told me when I finally retire, they will retire their sheep as well, a sentiment that humbles me and reminds me how deeply intertwined our lives and livelihoods have become.
In the latter years, I have been using my earnings to do charity work within Africa and South America. That motivates me to keep doing what I am doing, and I feel more healthy, because I am enjoying life and am active.
Hilary Gietzen
Verendrye Electric Cooperative
HARD TO LEAVE
Most people know if you have a relative in a nursing home, it’s always hard to leave them when you are ready to go home.
My mother is in the nursing home in Stanley. I go see her every Sunday for two hours before supper. She’s always happy to see me, but she always wants to go home with me. I just can’t take care of her anymore. She will be 104 years old the first of May.
I’m 80 years old and still farming. It’s the best job on the planet. You just can’t beat that with a stick.
Clayton Howell
Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative
ALL ABOUT COMMUNITY
It all starts and ends with community, including those who know you and are looking out for you. I will not complain about someone “knowing my business,” when I know they also care about me and are the first ones to step in when I need help.
We know who needs help with a mobility device, and we keep an eye on someone getting in or out of their car on an icy street. We will inquire about a medical challenge, offer to pray and offer transportation or other help.
We are fortunate enough to have a clinic with extremely flexible hours, so we are blessed to be aging in this state and community.
Priscilla Backstrom
Northern Plains Electric Cooperative
CARING LIKE FAMILY
One benefit of getting older in North Dakota is the wonderful care area small-town nursing homes provide for their residents. The nursing staff usually knows the resident, as they probably grew up alongside the resident’s family.
I’ve witnessed how staff will bend over backwards with their loving care by providing favorite ethnic meals, special activities like bingo and personal care as if they were a family member. Aging isn’t always fun, but small-town nursing homes make it so much better.
Curt Kost
KEM Electric Cooperative
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