Over the past few years I have written of the many things I am thankful for at the Hormel Historic Home.

In 2012 I wrote that I was most thankful for the opportunities I have had in my life including the new job I had just started at the HHH. In 2014 I wrote of my thanks for: “the dedicated staff, the willing volunteers, the stories within these historic walls, the beautiful environment in which I get to work, and the warmth that a space heater generates in our cold little office!

We must have had a cold spell last year as my list in 2016 included the space heaters again …”family, friends, good health, space heaters in a drafty (but lovely) office, motivated and passionate co-workers and volunteers, donors, program partners, and the Austin Daily Herald for encouraging my weekly column and covering our events.”

There are many ways to embrace this season of gratitude-saying “thank you,” offering to help someone in need, baking treats to share, donating financially to a cause, or reflecting openly about all the blessings in one’s life. This year I decided to write a poem to reflect the HHH story for which I am so very thankful.

History, without it we have no foundation

From which to move forward from.

Upon that foundation, opportunities have come.

A young man who matured through circumstance

Found himself in Austin and dared to take a chance.

Here he built relationships, respect, and success.

He shared his all so the community could progress.

Through ups and downs his faith in God and man never wavered,

And with love by his side he persevered and found much favor.

His journey inspires, his life-one of immeasurable worth;

A man, a family, a business, a legacy left upon the Earth.

I am thankful for the HHH and all of you during this 2017 season of Thanks-giving.

Tours

Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Walk in tours to see the decorated Hormel Historic Home

Free for HHH members and children, $5 for non-members

A Handmade Christmas, indie craft market

Friday and Saturday, Dec. 8-9

Information available at www.ahandmadechristmas.com

History Happy Hour: What’s Wrong With My Nativity by Helen Holder

5:30 p.m. social, 6 p.m. presentation Monday, Dec. 11

Special music by Sue Radloff. Free for members of the Mower County Historical, Friends of the Library, and the HHH, $5 for non-members.