Women share a common bond. We are all daughters; some are moms, sisters, grandmas and friends.
We share from our heart. Family is at the root of anything we do. We all seek to be nurturing souls in an often complicated world.
I got the shock of a lifetime as I attended the 38th annual Women’s Conference last Friday and was voted Outstanding Woman of Southeastern Utah for 2017.
Each year they pick a distinguished woman and grant this prestigious award. I had no idea they would pick me! I was speechless! I fought back tears to accept the award and was so honored.
I was also extremely grateful I had combed my hair that day! Initially I had wanted to attend the entire day but couldn’t. I decided I really wanted to attend the seminar “I’m too busy for that” presented by Merrilee Boyack. Merrilee is a fantastic speaker, her message was prioritize! Prioritize!
A professional juggler
I need to work on that. If you asked me to sum up my life; I’m a professional juggler. As the miles start taking their toll (It can’t be the years; I’m only 29) I leave a lot of things I want to do unfinished. I remember the day that the dishes were not only washed but put away and now I’m lucky to cook!
I am very humbled they would pick me. I thought about it all weekend and now I’m lucky enough to be able to write down words that went unsaid as I was melting on the stage. Thank you Ann Anderson for talking for me. At that moment in time, all I could think of was thank heavens I combed my hair today!
I have never been a public speaker, I’m actually quite shy. Rephrase; I’m definitely not shy but I am in front of a room of people. If you ever meet me one-on-one you know I don’t shut up. Crowds though, I avoid. I adore people but can only articulate with 10 or less in a room.
A humbling experience
Predecessors in this award have given away their kidney and written books. How could I even be considered, was what I was thinking standing up on that stage. The awards committee likes to surprise the recipients. Surprise indeed, shock was my reaction!
They read a list of accolades and I remember thinking which one of our committee members could it be? It wasn’t until they got to the No Grave Unadorned project that I actually figured out it was me.
I wish I could have said, “Great things are possible but not without help and support. I truly could never get anything done without my team. My posse is my family. It starts with my family at home and proceeds to my family at work.”
Every project, community effort for betterment starts with them. Without them there is no me!
The No Grave Unadorned was the brainchild of our former publisher Rick Shaw. I helped him make his vision a reality. I remember thinking, “Flowers on 40,000 graves! Are you insane?”
Honor those who came before us
Then what he told me about the graves that were left undecorated and forgotten. Some have markers that tell a partial story. In particular a grave in Price Cemetery where the gentleman died from the Indian wars. Our former publisher was right. We need to recognize those who came before us and paved the way for the rest of us to have a community here.
Being named publisher for the Sun Advocate and Emery County Progress was one of my best achievements. I always want to be involved in something that makes me feel that I am achieving something useful.
I think our newspapers are important to our communities and I have always enjoyed being part of that. I love working at the paper and I believe in what we do. We are the community’s news source and we are the record keepers.
We are all sons & daughters of great women. Those ladies shaped us and in turn we shape the next generation. I’m still in shock over this achievement! I think I might have even made my mom proud. To me that in itself is a great achievement.