Living in South Dakota I grew up learning what I thought were universal truths that all South Dakotans live by. Which entailed very stern morals and respect.
Looking back now, I wonder if maybe I just misunderstood them? Maybe I only seen what I wanted to? Let me try to explain. And you can judge for yourself. Maybe I was, and still am wrong. These are things I learned from living in South Dakota.
Hard Working
Hard work was something that was sewn into the fabric of South Dakotans. We were not afraid to roll up our sleeves and get dirty. We knew the job needed to get done. And it wasn’t going to get done by itself.
We also knew this meant doing it right. Doing things half way was a waste of time. You always took pride in what your results were. Otherwise you can always do it again.
We never expected others to do it. And we didn’t feel as though because we live here, that other people should help us. Even though many were willing to do just that.
And at the end of it, it felt good. You knew your efforts would be worth while.
Helping Others
Another thing that I was taught was to help others. When a person got knocked down, you helped them up. When your neighbor needed a hand, you helped them. And you knew full well that neighbor would help you when you needed it.
I was thinking back to 2005. Hurricane Katrina had just ravaged New Orleans. People were hurt. People were stealing. The entire area was in shambles. And the area was in desperate need of something to pull them together.
But what a lot of people may or may not remember, is that South Dakota was having problems of their own. In the northern part of the state, massive flooding was forcing people out of their homes. While in the Yankton area, tornadoes had ripped through the area. Destroying houses and leaving a trail of devastation along the way.
But why wasn’t this a highlight of the media? Because people from the area and community’s jumped into action immediately to help. They showed a genuine concern for their neighbors and sprang to action. And everyone tried to do a small part. Some gave food. Some offered a place to stay. Some gave money. While others gave a part of their time. There was no looting. So there were no headlines.
I do keep in mind that what happened in New Orleans was a much grander scale then what South Dakota was going through. However I couldn’t help but smile when I thought about how South Dakotan’s reacted. It made me very proud to be from here.
Respect
We all had that one neighbor growing up. That one that was maybe a bit too protective of his grass. The one that just got unnerved that we walked past their house. The neighbor that was convinced we somehow stepped on her flowers, even though we never set foot in their yard. (Ok. Being honest. Maybe it was us.)
We didn’t necessarily like these people. But we tried to respect their wishes. We did not see the world the way they did, but we respected the way they seen it.
Inviting friends and family together was about their company. Even though you knew full well they didn’t think like you. They didn’t believe what you did. Your ties as a human living in the same community meant you could push away difference.
After all. Difference is what has made some of the greatest things in history. A person being able to look at something in a completely different and new way has brought things that people once thought impossible. So it wasn’t about trying to prove yourself right.
This also included trying to prove a moral high ground. Trying to somehow convince that neighbor that it’s only grass. Was a waste of time. And that neighbor took great pride in that grass. Who are we to take that away from him?
We all live in this together. We will never see eye to eye. But that dosen’t mean we can’t respect one another.
These are things I have seen, learned, and have been taught living in South Dakota. To some they seem a bit too simple. And maybe they are right. But then again maybe simple is what we need? I take great pride in looking around every day seeing these things. I love being in South Dakota.
Maybe it was just me? Maybe it was just how I was taught? Or just maybe the amazing people that live in South Dakota are what make it great. Maybe these are things that we hold in our hearts living here? Things that are woven into all of us. If that’s true, take great pride in being part of that. Hold your head up, and know that you are what makes South Dakota great.
That’s how I see it. I could be wrong. You are more than welcome to disagree.
Until next time.
Mary Jo Bertrand