We’re almost two weeks out from when the worst fire in our state’s history burned through this country. When the smoke cleared, when the ashes quit smoldering, that’s when the true character of people came out. Humbling is the only word I have to describe the actions that have taken place in the last few weeks. The local 4-H kids got together to make hundreds of breakfast burritos for the firemen that came from all over. Local churches, the Rotary club and other organizations worked together to serve meals to those who came to help battle the blaze. The highway through Oshkosh is lined with signs made by the elementary students showing their support and gratitude for all the first responders.
Probably the most humbling thing I have witnessed though is the selfless acts of service and donations that have come pouring in from all over from people we have never met that just want to help. Convoys of semi’s loaded with hay, fencing supplies, mineral and lick tubs have shown up. Before the fires were even fully contained, there was a non profit that was established to help the local producers that lost everything. Gratitude is a feeling among almost everyone in this part of the world. We’re thankful for our local fire departments, the farmers who put their own equipment on the fire line, the ranchers who helped move stock or fought fire with homemade fire rigs, the countless volunteers that have stepped up to help and those that gave generously because they felt compelled to do so.
I don’t really know how to put into words the intense emotions that we have felt in this little corner of the world. We’ve gone from fear, to gratitude, to grief for the loss of a few good friends and neighbors, and finally to laughing with one another again. Seeing the Secretary of Agriculture tour the damage along with the Governor gave me hope that at least they know that we exist out here. Many times it feels like rural America gets swept under the rug, but this time we got noticed.
This summer will be a hard one. With a little rain, green grass will begin to arise from the blackened prairie. It might take years for some of that country to ever fully recover, but like the people that call this land their home, the country itself is resilient. We will rebuild. The rains will eventually come and the grass will wave in the wind again. It’s been said that there is no place like Nebraska. I’d have to agree with that statement, and I would add that there is no industry quite like agriculture. We take care of our own. We show love, compassion, and give grace during times of need.
From all of us here in Nebraska, I’d like to say thank you. Thank you for your prayers, your encouragement, the loan of your fire crews from neighboring states, the donations that seem to grow every day. God bless all of you and thank you for helping us keep tabs on our side of the barbed wire this time.