My Great Aunt Mamie once shared with me some memories of Oklahoma during the great depression.

One time, my grandpa, grandma and aunt Mamie were in grandpa’s old ford truck when a dust storm hit. It was so bad, they couldn’t see the hood of the truck. Aunt Mamie said they covered their mouths with their head scarfs to be able to breathe.

I’ve only seen a dust storm once. It was in Nevada. I hope to never ever see one again. Steve and I were on a highway, traffic was stalled and we watched the storm come towards

us.

As it was drawing closer, I remember being confused because it didn’t look like a thunder storm nor did it look like smoke from a fire. Neither of us knew what it was until it hit.

We saw several semis and RVs blown over. I literally saw a large surf board fly through the air like it was shot from a cannon. In front of us, the back-end of a semi truck kept being raised into the air by about two feet and then slammed back unto the cement.

I was terrified. However, I would have been more terrified if we had not been able to see past the hood of our jeep. Nor did we struggle to breathe.

That little adventure totally deepened my appreciation for what my grandparents and aunt experienced.

Aunt Mamie also imparted a nugget of wisdom that I took to heart. She said during the depression, (in a time of having to move, renting and little money) no matter where she lived, she always tried to leave the place better than she found it ... for the next family.

She often would plant flowers or a tree. Just something that enhanced the place making it feel more like a home.

It reinstated with me over the years whenever I had to move from one location to another. Some places were good, some places were rough. You make do with what you have and push forward. Mindset really does matter.

I love that in a time of hardship, when things were bleak, finding simple ways to add or share a touch of beauty might potentially make someone else smile.

Aunt Mamie was literally teaching me about “Attitude of Gratitude” without me realizing it. Bless her sweet soul.

Old-timers. They Rock.