While getting a morning treat at the Holiday gas station on Monday, June 3, I ran into a long time Dairyland friend, Betty Bellet. I hadn’t seen her since Dairyland closed for the 2024 season, so was eager to visit and catch up with life. To my dismay, I was informed that her husband, Jerry had passed away in late January. My heart sunk as I heard this news. Jerry and Betty have been friends of Dairyland for three decades.

Jerry and I shared a common bond each season while selling Christmas trees. (Jerry and Betty sold trees at their own tree lot, while we sold trees on the Dairyland property.) Once a year, at the end of a long weekend; cold, weary and bundled up, Jerry and I would share an unscheduled meeting over a beverage guaranteed to warm one’s soul as we reflected on life.

This was before the invention of cellphones. Being typical males, we failed to tell our wives we would be “working late.” We didn’t want to wake them, but little did we know, they were home worrying about us. Each year, either Jean or Betty would track us down with a look of relief mixed with anger. They had envisioned us as frozen, murdered, robbed, etc.

Thank goodness; they spared us our lives…. Enough reminiscing.

As I got into my pickup truck after visiting with Jerry’s wife, I was greeted by the mom of one our current employees. This mom shared with us how her daughter enjoys working at Dairyland. Little did mom know; I was trying to keep from tearing up. My heart was filled with memories of Jerry, sorrow for his wife Betty’s loss, and joy and humility as I talked with this mom. Our employee smiled at me as she looked on from the passenger seat of the car as she witnessed the conversation. The conversation was about how much we appreciate the opportunity to work alongside our employees. Specifically, how we appreciate this mom’s daughter and the amazing dynamic she brings to Dairyland.

As we look at the picture of the youngsters learning about Christmas trees, we are reminded of things much greater. Life is short and fleeting. We are thankful for the friendship of Jerry Bellet and his wife Betty. We are humbled at the opportunities we have been given to interact with others as we live life. And we are blessed by a loving community, fantastic customers, and amazing memories.

-Pat