by Marjo
Republic County WIFE

My husband and I were both raised on Kansas farms. It was vital to my husband’s parents that their children be educated and given the opportunity to gain financial stability that they themselves didn’t have as they struggled to feed their family in the 1930’s in western Kansas.

We each sought careers in the health field. He became a doctor in Family Medicine and I obtained a degree in Nursing. As we searched for a place to locate, we looked only at rural communities. The city held no lure for us. We wanted a safe, quiet area where our children could grow in good basic values, a good education, and a healthy environment that nurtured that growth. Our choice was made 40 years ago, and we never once regretted our choice of a small town in north central Kansas with a population of 3,200.

Early investments to secure the education of our four children and our future retirement were focused on farmland. Farms were the only investments we had any knowledge about. During the early years and beyond, our hobbies included a cow-calf herd with a haying operation. Farming was and is an integral part of our lives, although the primary income source is his medical practice.

What’s great about small town living? The air is clean! There is no pollution. We feel safe! Our doors are locked infrequently. Our neighbors are honest and friendly. Only recently have we learned to remove car keys from unattended vehicles – not because of any great dangers, but to make us more cautious and safe when we are in more heavily populated areas.

There are very few strangers in our small community. Most people know each other, and even if you are not truly acquainted, faces smile with recognition and greetings are exchanged with warmth. Friendly inquiries are made when there has been an experience with pain – or joy. Our son and his wife had twins born to them two years ago. The community gave them so many loving welcomes with gifts, flowers and cards. Everyone wanted to be a part of our joyous celebration, and they were! Anytime a neighbor is suffering from ill health or some loss, the community is there to help, to lighten the burden, and to express their loving concern. Shopping for groceries, gas or farm supplies are social events, as neighbors share their recent adventures, concerns, and talk about the weather.

The community works together for the benefit of all. When our library needed funds to renovate and improve the facility, individuals gave generously and helped make it a fabulous resource. Recently, a group has assumed the task of re-building the abandoned theater building. Support is coming from all corners of the county, with volunteers joining forces and offering their skills to accomplish the creation of a center for art and theater that will enrich many lives. Our outstanding high school band (over 100 members) has enjoyed biennial excursions to perform at far away places. This community donates to dozens of fundraisers so that each band member can participate.

When a need for variety presents itself, we can visit the city and appreciate its offerings for entertainment and major shopping.

It is difficult to describe the many influences that create our exceptional quality of life here in a small town. There is a spirit of community here that is lacking in urban areas. As an individual, you matter! There is trust. There is an appreciation for the beauty of the land that surrounds this community. There is respect for that land because it is our source of livelihood. There is respect for each other, for we depend on each other, and yet, we are fiercely individual. We are truly blessed.