Qualities of the Midwest and Its People

There are lots of notable qualities of the Midwest and us Midwesterners. Growing up in Nebraska has helped me notice some wonderful traits in myself and in the people around me. When I moved to South Dakota last year and have since spent about every weekend in Iowa, I have realized the people of those states present similar qualities to those back home. Here are some common similarities I have found throughout the Midwestern states and people:

Sunsets are better here than anywhere else.
I have travelled to both coasts of the United States, Hawaii, and even to Europe and the sunsets in all of those places are beautiful, but none compare to the sunsets here. The flat land and open space is the best background for the sun's goodbye. Once the sun has gone down, our backyards also become the perfect place to stargaze.

We love animals as much as, and sometimes more than, our friends.
Most Midwesterners grew up with pets and consider it unthinkable to spend life without them. When I go home, I am greeted by my Saint Bernard and Newfoundland dogs before the other members of the family. Who does't love puppy hugs and cuddles? We also have always loved to interact with wild animals whether it be hunting, fishing, or just catching snakes for fun.

We believe prosocial behaviors to be a part of everyday life.
The Midwest is known for being the friendliest of places and this isn't just a stereotype. People here just honestly love to help others. We were raised to always think of others and it shows. Waving to neighbors and strangers while driving, volunteering at church, starting conversations with random people, and smiling at almost everyone are just a few of our favorite things.

There are actually four seasons here.
Another piece of common knowledge about the Midwest is that our summers are very hot and our winters are very cold. To add to the extremes, it is not uncommon for a bitterly cold fall day to be followed by a day thirty degrees warmer. Those of you who live in the Midwest know this is not an exaggeration. We sometimes experience all four seasons in one week.

Families are #1.
When I moved away from home, I knew that I would always have a place to return to whenever I needed. I even discovered that when I moved to a new state in the Midwest, I was welcomed by many other wonderful families. We have the most supportive and loving families here and they often include more than just our blood relatives. My family and all of the other families that have my heart are the main reasons why it would be nearly impossible to leave the Midwest.

Text Your Grandpa

It's crazy to think that we live in a time where people of all ages can (for the most part) operate the latest technology. This means that I am able to keep in regular contact with my family back home and far away. In other words, I can text my grandpa (who I don't get to see often because he is busy working and travelling and saving the world).

We all have a person in our lives who always reminds us of how amazing we are. For me, this person is my grandpa. He has been my biggest fan since birth and he never fails to inform me of his unending support in everything I do. I have other very supportive people in my life as well, but none can really compare to my grandpa. Everyone should have this kind of person. 

You will know who this person is when you think back on all past conversations with him or her and you cannot think of a time when he or she has left the conversation on a negative note. This sounds completely impossible, but I cannot recall one time when my grandpa has said something even remotely negative about me or any of my choices. How is that even possible??? It really is incredible to think that a person can believe in another person with 100% faith. 

Maybe my grandpa does have little slivers of doubt every now and then, but he has never expressed any to me. It is vastly empowering to receive this kind of trust. It also allows me to put that same amount of trust in him. The relationship we have forces me to set high standards for everyone in my life. (Although, I will always know that no one will ever be just like him.) 

Thank you, Papa, for answering every text or call when I need advice from someone who understands me better than I understand myself.

If your grandpa has an iPhone, too, you should text him and tell him thanks. Or if your super hero is someone else, text him or her instead. I would like to leave with a message for everyone that I've recently received from Papa Rudy:

So very proud of your many accomplishments and more importantly who you are as a person. 

Love,

Papa.