Carmen Watne Boggs, Everett, Wash.

In 1974 I was privileged to be in the first graduating class from the brand new Magic City Campus. Our 50th reunion was this summer in Minot. I also graduated from what was then Minot State Teacher’s College, and spent over 47 years in education. Thank you, Minot!

But, that’s not why I am writing.

I have lived in the Seattle area for over 30 years, so I had to travel back to Minot. After arriving in Minneapolis, and finding the farthest gate possible, I was bumped from my flight to Minot. This would now make it past midnight getting into the Magic City. I called my baby brother, Matt Watne, to ask if there was still taxi service. He said to try Uber or Lyft. Neither picked up the ride, so how. How was I going to get “home” in the middle of the night?

Thank goodness I am from Minot. I looked around at the other people waiting for the plane, and spoke. “My name is Carmen Watne, and I need a ride home once we get to Minot. Can anyone take me home?”

This is why Minot. Immediately a lovely woman named Jackie Johnson smiled and said, “Of course, Honey.” I do not know her, nor does she know my family. She is just goodness. Her husband, Lyndon, picked us up and they took me to Matt (Watne) and Susan’s (Ness) early in the morning.

Susan and Matt left for France to stay with our brother Steve. I stayed in Matt and Susan’s home, drove Susan’s car, and ate their food. They made sure every little thing was ready for me. I went to an amazing reunion planned by kind, brilliant people like Shelly Weppler, who also graduated in 1974. Our class visited the school, which is still beautiful. (Being a former principal in an urban environment we never had anything like it!) Important people spoke, we ate, drank, and were merry. It was Minot reunioning at it’s best, and was over too fast.

I had to go back to Washington, but how to get to the airport? Well, of course, Susan’s mother, Marlene Jundt, came and took me out for a lovely breakfast and then to the airport. She is someone I want to be like: beautiful, fun and bible-generous.

That’s why Minot. The folks really can’t be beat, and you really just can’t say goodbye.

Thank you, Minot.