Cast & Crew

1976.  Brainerd Junior College.  I attend my first year of college and took the leap of trying out for sports.  That is when I meet Sandy Carr and Bomber (Leann) Hess!   Nearly 50 years later we are still meeting and rehashing life, continuing to find humor in the smallest things and laughing for the longest time about them!  Holly, Helen & Keltie had limited time with Sandy & Bomber, much of our visit was around the dining room table enjoying a light lunch.  Towards the end of the visit, the dogs came out and introductions were held.  Holly had this fixation with Bomber, which was not reciprocated at all.  In the end, they figured it out and found the energy level that suited each of them.  During the photo shoot, Holly was persisent and rather insistent that she was going to sit on the couch, right next to Bomber, which eventually led to Bomber making room for her and telling her to sit.  Holly sat and immediately calmed down, she finally had been heard!     Bomber left feeling special, Holly had once again softened up a non-dog person.

Activity at the neighbor’s house has been steady since the South Dakota kids & grandkids have been visiting.  Donna caught me by the fence and said the kids had written a play and were giving an outdoor performance in the evening.  I was respectfully invited to attend.   Shortly after, my doorbell rings and Kendra & Daphne are there, this time inviting me but also making it clear that Holly & Helen are to attend as well.  ‘It’s an interactive play and they need to be there.’   I offered an ‘are you sure?’ knowing it would be ignored.    Graciously, Diane gathered in Helen for the evening.  Helen had a front row seat and a warm lap to sit in during the whole performance.   I wrestled with Holly and with Kendra’s help, she did manage to become an acceptable audience member.   Holly & I had cushion on the ground to lay/sit on.  Kendra, who was the narrator of the play, would peridoically walk over to me – tell Holly to lay down, stay (head pat, treat), then return to her play performance.   Holly caught on quick.  She sat still while her eyes fixed on Kendra, patiently waiting for her individualized attention to come.   This was probably the greatest challenge ever for Holly – to sit/lay quietly while outside and with children in her immediate sight.  It was rewarding for me to see that in time, and with help from the kids, she was a successful audience member.  No eviction needed.   After the performances (there were multiple plays and short skits – all adorable), everyone sang Happy Birthday to Grandma Diane.  That quickly became Grandma Diane and Robin once Diane spilled the beans that my birthday had been last week.   Once the festivities wrapped up,  Holly & Helen were invited to pose in the Cast & Crew photo.  We all know Holly knows about photo shoots!  I lined her up, told her to STAY and backed away.  I could feel all the adults holding their breath waiting for the wild one to break her pose.  Holly stayed firm.  Pictures were taken and the picture posers were free to go!  Then the joy poured out, from dogs & kids alike,  bringing smiles from everyone.  After a few minutes of freedom and fun, Holly, Helen, Ivy & Kendra retreated to my backyard.  Everyone else went into Donna’s house for treats.   Our outdoor party didn’t end until it was fully dark outside but did include some ice cream that Brook was kind enough to bring over to us.  It was me who had to call it a night and send the girls home, using Holly’s bedtime as my reason.  The girls left graciously, while Holly snubbed me and wanted to go with them.  

Holly came into the house that evening and collapsed on the cool hardwood floor by the basement door.  She stared at the floor for the longest time seemingly pondering if what had just happened was real.  The creative and playfulness that these kids shared with parent/grandparents had just filled Holly’s heart with pure joy.  She was a part of something bigger than life in her eyes.  Not even knowing that she too left an impact on many young hearts.  And I think some old ones too!