Funky Feeling Day

The morning felt good outside.  As the day went on . . . not so good feeling.

This morning we had the July appointment with Maria.  We were in need as the last appointment had been May 30.  Dennis’ eyebrows had grown together and were bending down much like a trailing house plant’s.

I feel that I am a better person having Maria in my life.  For the three hours that she pampers our feet and gives wonderful haircuts, the visiting covers so many topics . . . with a positive attitude.  Coming from the heritage of picking vegetables and her family traveling from state to state as the vegetables were ready to harvest, she kept her vision.  With a message of hope from a family member here in St. James,  she packed up what her car would hold and came to Minnesota with five young children under the age of ten.

Maria took work in our nursing home in the laundry while completing what it took to get her nurse’s LPN license.  Her next quest was jumping through the hoops for her cosmetology license.  The nursing home job by nights and driving to Windom for daytime work part time in a shop doing haircuts.

Maria bought that shop in 2010, working in the nursing home when the call came out that they needed a shift filled at night.

In 2020 First Avenue Styles here in St. James came up for sale.   She bought the business, while the shop was rented from the bakery next to it. 

Maria works Monday, Wednesday and Friday in Windom and St. James on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.  Her husband does carpenter work.  They have five homes that they have bought as rentals after fixing them up.  Her last child graduated from high school this year.  Maria shared with Dennis that she has an account for “X” number of dollars for each of those five homes for when the roofs need new shingles. 

Maria always knew she would assimilate and she has done it well.   Maria is young enough to be my daughter with plans for the future that makes me a believer.  Dennis and I marvel at her attitude and determination.  A good person to have in one’s life.

With that I will take my leave.  ♥