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by Jo Anna Laurene (Author), Walter Cumming (Illustrator)
We are a country of proud, hard-working immigrants. Like my pioneer family from the 1890s, I, too, came from those who journeyed westward. They told stories of dreams, struggles, heartache, and destinies as they tamed the wilds of the Northern Plains and the Mountain West. Their history, values, and determination began my story and shaped my family for the next six generations. This story captures my family's growth through my brother-a hilarious man who saw the world through humor and light. Four decades ago, Randy had the opportunity to work a summer in a rugged backcountry wilderness camp. At that Boy Scout camp, he chronicled his adventures in many letters to our family while reminiscing about our past. Randy was quick-witted and used humor to describe life even at its most serious. My brother battled an eating disorder, a serious health condition that society now seeks to minimize at significant cost. That context initiated thoughts on other battles our society is being forced to reconcile. Conflicts and hostilities challenging historical American values that have been the backbone of American thought and tradition since the founding of our country. Once I chronicled family and American history, I discovered I was on the ground floor of a transformation so sinister its story needed to be told. What becomes clear is that those in power have abandoned all our ancestors' historical struggles and the values that defined our great nation. What began with COVID-19, a new genesis formed that sought to use this tragedy as a precursor for societal transformations that would change our lives forever. It purposely bombarded us with new definitions and came with its own language. What has materialized over a very short period were tectonic cultural shifts that would forever change the moral fabric of our country. I analyzed many theories, seeking to understand their motivations. I will detail them for you now like my brother would have. Describing nonsense with humor is only understandable from a laughable perspective. Perception is in the eye of the beholder, but we are never beholden to others' perceptions, especially when they involve despicable deception. It is now time to change the direction. I grew up in the American West with an amazing family who sought adventure throughout my youth. My parents influenced me in many ways, but nothing was more inspiring than an undaunting determination never to quit. I seek new adventures, pushing boundaries that test my abilities further than I should, but that makes life amusing. I became a nurse with an amazing career. With no experience, I started a cattle ranch, wilderness horse-packed, captained a 40-foot houseboat, and now authored a book. With my soul mate, I took a leap of faith when we both picked up and moved to Big Sky Country, seeking new dreams and new destinies. Montana was the perfect fit. Life has been an amazing journey for which I am eternally grateful. Finally, I raised a wonderful son and am now a grandmother. Almost nothing is more joyous than being someone's "Grammie."
