“Are we there yet?” That was one of
my favorite questions when my family was driving anywhere as a kid. I remember
one road trip that was particularly long. We were going to Plains, Kansas to
visit family. In case you were wondering, Plains is a tiny little town that is
the definition of Western Kansas. Did you know Plains has the widest Main
Street in the United States? Well now you do! Anyway, as you can imagine, the
ride to Plains is a long one and 6-year-old Bailey was not very patient. Every
couple of minutes I would ask, “Are we there yet?” Since we were obviously still
moving and in the middle of nowhere, the answer was always, “No and don’t ask
again”. But I would ask again and again and again. Finally, my dad said, “You
know Bailey, half the fun is getting there. If you wait until we get there to
have fun you’ve already wasted half the time.” As a six year old I didn’t
understand this, but looking back he may have a point.
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| Main Street in Buhler on a Saturday evening. |
I grew up in the small town of
Buhler, Kansas. Population 1335, Buhler is a quaint town. I love my hometown,
but as with any little towns there wasn’t a lot to do. Growing up we had to
make our own fun. From adventuring outside to going to the library or even swimming
at the pool, which even on the hottest days was freezing, we always found
something to do. But when we got to high school it was different. If I had a
quarter for every time I heard someone say “I can’t wait to get out here” I
would be able to pay my college tuition in quarters! We were in such a hurry to grow up and move
on. Well since that time I have graduated and moved out of my beloved hometown
and I realize I was a little too excited to leave. I was focused so much on the
next step that I forgot to savor the little things.
A couple of weekends ago I got to
go home for Buhler Frolic, our annual town celebration. For years I was a part
of the parade, from being on the grade school float, to band, to the FFA float.
For the first time I can remember, I got to stand and watch the parade go
by. It was so fun to see this celebration
of Buhler in a new light! My heart was filled with so much Buhler pride. Later
that evening I was given the amazing opportunity to speak at the banquet
celebrating my high school’s 100th year. While at the banquet I got
to hear so many stories about the journey Buhler High has taken from its start
in 1915. It was incredible to see all of the history and memories made in my
own high school! Being back home and enjoying a fun day was just what I needed
to remind me to cherish the little moments and remember that child like wonder that
we seem to lose as we grow up.
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| So many people celebrating Buhler High School! |
It’s easy to get focused on the next event or
goal and forget to stop and smell the roses. The same thing can happen during
our time in FFA. Make the most of everyday, every class period, every moment
because life isn’t just about the big moments, it’s about all the little ones
put together too. Whether a freshman, senior, graduate, alumna, or a supporter
of FFA there will come a time when we have to hang up our blue jacket. When we
finally reach our destination, I hope we can all say that we enjoyed the
journey. Instead of asking, “Are we
there yet?”, ask how will I enjoy the ride? Because after all half the fun is
getting there.
