I just wanted to start by stating that my community is pretty neat already. There isn’t much around. A few bars and casinos, a few gas stations, a car dealership or two, a tire repair shop, a few tool shops and auto parts stores, a Walmart, a few hotels, and some really cool thrift shops. There are a few other shops here and there and maybe an Albertsons and marijuana shops, but, that about sums up the town I live in. It’s been gathering some attention these past few weeks through their social reels on Facebook and other social media sites.
The town, Laurel Montana. A kind of plain town. Not a whole lot of excitement goes on in town other than around holidays or high school sport events. The Fourth of July fireworks shows usually are awesome events. They have a street dance the night before.
I would suggest, allowing it easier for the community to take place as a volunteer for the towns events. I remember back when Jaycee’s was a thing and I had worked the street dance. That was one of the most memorable nights I have ever experienced in the town.
Recently, we had a few more shops pop up. A bar named “Off the Reels”. Apparently, my friend Jordan said that it was a really cool place. However, I have yet to go there myself. I am not much of a drinker. I slowed down in my late twenties following an accident involving alcohol. Lucky to be alive. Lucky I didn’t kill my friend. Extremely grateful that is completely over with. It still haunts me when I think back to it. I was so careless for someone who should have had my life better together. Live and learn, right?
The whole volunteer thing. I mean, I sort of do it on rare occasions for a thrift shop. The most awesome thrift shop in the town of Laurel, 406 Finders Keepers. I have found so many cool items in that place. I have been building my movie collection. I picked up one of the Venom movies for practically nothing. They have helped us in so many ways.
I didn’t speak about this much. Not even to family. My spouse, Shay, was pregnant. We found out in either late October or early November. Early February, we found out the baby had passed. The doctor had no idea what had happened. Which sort of left us clueless. Then, we were able to have a funeral provided to us by “Smith Funeral Chapel” right here in town. Graciously, provided by The Ramsey Keller Memorial. Which helps people who lose children in Montana. 406 Finders Keepers helped our family pay for the plot to bury, who we named, Grace Jalynn.
It’s sad. But, also, kind of nice the community helped us tremendously during this tough time for us.
Another example, our church pastor Michael Konings also spoke for the funeral. I am pretty sure that helped him out too in the process. Which I thought was pretty cool. The flowers for the funeral were provided by 406 Finders Keepers. They looked amazing! The coolest part about that was when we went to the thrift shop later that evening. The lady that owns it, Cristina Godwin, is such a generous lady for the things she has done for our family. Her daughter is supposed to take me an the kids to an Easter event at our church.
This Sunday, our family will be at The First Church of the Nazarene for a joyful Easter breakfast, followed by a powerful sermon from Pastor Mike. I truly believe it will be a day filled with light, connection, and a day to celebrate life with loved ones.
To every one of you reading this: Happy Easter! May your day be overflowing with love, laughter, and precious moments shared with family and friends. And as you celebrate, take a quiet moment to reflect on the beautiful meaning of Easter: the triumph of life over death, renewal, and second chances. Just like an egg that holds a hidden surprise—something sweet, something precious—Easter reminds us that we ourselves are gifts. Each of us carries unique light, purpose, and sweetness waiting to be shared with the world.
Wishing you a deeply blessed and meaningful 2026 Easter.
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Step into my wacky world! As a writer and proud father of five, my days are a riot of hilarity and chaos. From spontaneous trips to Colombia in search of caffeinated adventures to witnessing a chicken in a suit trying to outsmart local rats, life with me is anything but ordinary. Join me on this silly journey where laughter reigns supreme and absurdity knows no bounds. Rest assured, amidst the madness, no animals were harmed – just a bunch of wild stories to share and memories to cherish. So, if you’re ready to dive into the whimsical world of a writer and father of five, hold onto your hats and get ready to giggle!
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