As we observe International Women’s Day in March, what woman do you admire most and why?
STRENGTH OF AG WOMEN
The women I admire the most are the farm and ranch women of North Dakota. Growing up on a farm in North Dakota and farming now, I have admired these hardworking women my entire life.
As a young child, I loved listening to the older women at church share stories about feeding cattle and operating farm equipment. These women possess a special combination of grit and grace. To work hard on the farm and in the fields, especially during calving and harvest, and then to come home to feed and nurture their families takes a certain type of strength. They work long hours, often with their children in tow.
At times, the amount of responsibility these women carry can be a lot. That is when relying on God as our strength and refuge gets us through the current season and into the next one. It is a blessing to know the farm and ranch women of North Dakota.
Karlee Ann Rauschenberger
Verendrye Electric Cooperative
DEDICATED MOM
There are many, many women I admire, but I chose to write about my mom. First, she brought me into this world. She has always thought of others more than herself.
She is always making dinner or planning a fun road trip. My mom is such a great cook, and she is always trying or making new delicious meals. She always has something fun and/or something creative for us to do on a boring day. I really do think my mom is one of the best out there.
Paige Ahmann, 11 years old
Capital Electric Cooperative
GRIT OF PIONEERS
The woman I admire most is not just one woman, but many women. They are those brave women who had the strength and courage to come to this virgin land of North Dakota, whether married or alone, and make a life for themselves and their families. They lived in this land of wide-open spaces, where weather could be deadly. And loneliness and isolation, with no other family members nearby, could be difficult.
My grandmothers and my husband’s grandmothers were women who came to settle this land. One came to North Dakota with a sister from Minnesota and each settled on 160 acres. One moved 100 miles from home to teach, one moved with her new husband to North Dakota, leaving all her family behind in Minnesota, and one moved from Europe to never see her family there ever again.
Each of these women lived when times and work were hard, whether inside the house or outside. One dealt with a diabetic child at a time when not a lot was known about treatment of the disease. And then there were the deaths of children and other family near and far, friends and neighbors. But these women worked hard, no matter what circumstances befell them. They cared for their family and the community that grew up around them. Churches, schools, stores and mail were all important.
All pioneer women should be admired. Without them, we would not have the state or nation where we live. I could not have lived without my indoor heat, electricity and plumbing. I am not made of such tough stuff.
Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative member
FINDING THE WORDS
I admire many of the women in my life, but the woman I admire most is my mom. She raised me to be a respectful person and has taught me many of the things I know. She has helped me throughout my life in so many ways. I definitely wouldn’t be who I am today without her.
In the eyes of history, she hasn’t done much. She might even seem just like any other mom, but for me she’s the best mom any child could have. I have grown so much and gotten further in life with her guidance. She’s helped me through some of the worst times of my life, staying beside me even when I wasn’t the best to her. She’s taught me how to make smart decisions (as smart as they can be from a moody teenager) and how to make my decisions and ideas work. I really admire her patience and personality. She’s always there to support me and pushes me to be my best. I’ve learned many life lessons and always look forward to our late-night karaoke car rides.
I’m glad this question came up, because these are all words I’ve wanted to say to my mom for a long time. I just could never figure out how.
Thanks for this opportunity.
Ashlyn Follman, 16 years old
North Central Electric Cooperative
UPCOMING READER REPLY QUESTION:
APRIL: What step have you taken to improve your health that you would recommend to others?
Deadline for submission: March 11
MAY: What is your favorite part of North Dakota to explore?
Deadline for submission: April 12
We want to hear FROM you: Submissions should be no more than 250 words, typewritten or in legible handwriting. Include your name, complete address, daytime phone number and name of your electric cooperative. Note: Magazine staff reserves the right to make edits and cuts. We pay $25 for each letter we print. Email to ndliving@ndarec.com or mail to READER REPLY, North Dakota Living, P.O. Box 727, Mandan, ND 58554-0727
