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MITCHELL, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) When you recall memories of home, strong emotions emerge. Home is where we formed our earliest memories, developed our sense of self, and learned how to navigate the world. For me, most of those memories were wonderful, though some aspects I wish had been different. Those challenging parts ultimately led me to move away after college to explore another area of South Dakota.
My father, a WWII veteran, and my mother were both raised in these parts. They married in 1948 and raised five children together while farming the original homestead established by my grandfather in the late 1800s. Growing up on the farm gave me many happy memories, though like most families, we faced our share of challenges along the way.
Some of these family challenges were incredibly difficult to navigate as a young adult trying to find my way and establish a career. Some days, I maintained strong conviction in my path, other days, far less so.
Thomas Wolfe wrote a novel titled “You Can’t Go Home Again,” based on the idea that returning home is impossible because everything changes—the people, places, and most significantly, ourselves. This summer, I’ll challenge Wolfe’s concept as my husband, and I move back to where I grew up. We’ve purchased an acreage near Mt. Vernon, South Dakota, close to my childhood farm and near all of my siblings.
In recent years, something has been missing in my life. Don’t misunderstand—I’ve been blessed: 31 years married to my college sweetheart, raising our children, seeing them through college and their wedding days, watching one move to Spain for a year, and experiencing the incredible joy of becoming a grandparent.
It wasn’t until one of my siblings faced a health crisis two years ago that I recognized what was missing: being at home where I grew up. I longed to see and experience what I loved most about farm life—the animals, especially newborn calves; the unique quality of morning and evening sunlight across open fields; the silence and peace of rural surroundings; the scent of freshly cut alfalfa and lilacs blooming in spring. And importantly, deepening relationships with my siblings as we all grow older.
We’ll be establishing a legacy for our children and grandchildren—teaching them to appreciate rural simplicity away from city life. The value of knowing and helping neighbors, growing and preserving your own food, relaxing in a hammock under the shelterbelt with a good book, observing wildlife on your land, and contributing to your community.
With this significant life change, I’m relocating my private practice to Mitchell. I’ll focus more directly on serving farmers and their families with tailored services, including new offerings. I’m eager to become a resource in our community. My husband shares my excitement about having land and space to enjoy this next chapter of our lives.
Change can be intimidating, but it’s often necessary for creating meaningful impact in our lives. I look forward to rediscovering my farm girl skills after their 30-year hiatus, while developing new abilities for managing our own piece of farmland. Perhaps Thomas Wolfe was wrong—sometimes, you can go home again.
