I’ve been feeling nostalgic for my grandma lately. She was born and raised in North Dakota, grew up on a farm, married a farmer (became one herself), and taught in a one-room schoolhouse. She was a public servant—serving as city auditor in the tiny town where I was born and where my dad grew up. I’m the eldest granddaughter on that side.
Wednesday was Bee Day on the Hill and featured live bees, honey makers, beekeepers, and lots of different treats all made from honey. It reminded me of my grandparents. They let a beekeeper keep hives on their land and were partially paid in honey. That honey had a specific taste—because it depends on the pollen and environment. I grew up thinking that’s what all honey tasted like.
When I got older and tried grocery store honey, I remember thinking, this isn’t what honey tastes like.
A few years ago, at the Sioux City Farmers Market, I found local honey from a beekeeper that tasted like my grandparents’ honey, just like I remembered.
Wednesday brought back that memory of my grandparents, especially my grandma. I got to share it with the Siouxland Beekeepers, and they even knew the beekeeper I was talking about from Sioux City which, was really special.
My grandma shows up at the Capitol with me every day. When I was packing for session in January, I knew I wanted a flag pin to wear—but I wanted it to be meaningful—not just something I ordered online. I remembered a small jewelry box of hers I had tucked away for my daughter someday. When I opened it, inside was a flag pin—her American Legion Auxiliary pin. My mom has a matching one from her mom and Senator Tony Bisignano told me his mom wore one too. It felt like my grandma was nudging me to take it with me.
There was also a sweater clip in the box and I wear a ring made from her wedding ring and anniversary band, which had worn down from years of carrying feed pails. The stones were reset into a new ring that she wore until she passed when she left it to me.
Those are the things I carry with me to work. I think about the women who came before me and the work I am doing for those who will come after.
I carry a little piece of my Grandma Doris with me every day.