Across the state, there are people helping each other. There are people going above and beyond. There are people behind the scenes making a difference. And these people all deserve their time to shine. But most of them never see it. And most of them never seek it.
Helping one another out is a South Dakota tradition. It’s one that is seemingly ingrained in us. And in our little communities, life definitely wouldn’t be the same without these unsung heroes. They are the glue that holds it all together.
We all know who these people are. It’s the fireman who offers his time. It’s the people who help run the food banks. The people that without them, the town celebration wouldn’t go on. The ones who help out whenever there is a need. They see something and solve it.
But maybe it’s not quite that complicated. Maybe there is so much more. It’s the people who hold the doors for one another. It’s the ones who give a complete stranger a dollar because they were short at the checkout. The person that helps their neighbor lift something. The person that offers a shoulder to cry on. The person who just listens. Or maybe it’s just the person who gives a quick wave and a smile.
Where does it all come from? What possesses us to help out total strangers? What possesses us to reach out to people we’ve never met? What drives us to go the extra mile and be completely selfless? When you think about the questions, you can’t help but realize, that there is no right answer. Other than maybe the world isn’t all bad. Just maybe our corner of the world is an incredible place to live. Maybe our small communities tick from this.
So maybe the question shouldn’t be why, but why not? Something has been ingrained in us. Something we can’t explain. But it feels so good when we do.
To all the unsung heroes out there, I thank you. Thank you for all you do. Because of you, the world is a little better.
And to the ones that don’t, it’s never too late. It doesn’t mean you have to move mountains. Just ask what you can do to make life a little better. There really is a strange truth to it all. The truth is that it’s not just about helping other people. It truly helps something inside of you as well.
I am extremely proud to say I’m from South Dakota. And it is because of this tradition that I say that. And it may seem easy to shrug off our own actions. And it’s easy to over look what you do or what you could do. But you are South Dakota. And you are what makes it great. And without you, life may move on, but it wouldn’t be as great.
I would like to challenge you. We all know who these people are. Name them. Let them know that their deeds aren’t going unnoticed. And let everyone know why they make South Dakota great. Until next time.