It was late in the morning of the last day of the 2022 Pratt County Fair, but the stands were still packed with business representatives and families Saturday when the last lot was led into the 4-H Livestock Premium Auction. As Haley Spitzer walked her late brother Daniel Spitzer’s steer up, she was followed by Spitzer family members and their closest friends. Then all the 4-Hers in attendance (many in #Live- LikeDaniel t-shirts) gathered around the sale ring, and the auctioneer began his sing-song sales chant. Numerous hands flew in the air to buy Daniel Spitzer’s steer, sharing in the recent tragedy that took Spitzer’s life just a few short weeks earlier. The result was a positive boost that no one could have predicted.

On July 15 our family all gathered here for supper in honor of our 29th anniversary. (July 15 is also brother Albert’s 58th birthday.) A delicious supper was made on the grill, including banana poppers, wings, and chicken. Daughter Liz and Tim brought a nice, decorated cake. Abigail, 5, was so excited to give us a big helium balloon with “Happy Anniversary” written on it. Susan’s friend Ervin was here, but his children Kaitlyn, Isaiah, and Curtis were spending a few days with his wife Sarah’s parents. I am so glad they can still have that relationship with their grandchildren and still spend time with them. It can’t be easy to lose a son or daughter.

James Beard, a teacher from Garden City, is running for the U.S. House of Representatives to represent Kansas District 1, or Kansas Big First in the 2022 primary.