Hi everyone … I hope you are staying comfortable in this heat! Please be sure to drink a lot of water; I learned the hard way how important it is to stay hydrated … so-o-o-o important. Remember water really is the elixir of life!
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This week I would like to share another part of our Valley Home’s amazing Matt Cooley’s story. Matt is a very talented athlete. He was a star wrestler and a star football player at Oakdale High. Matt made the difficult but rewarding choice to put all his efforts into wrestling. Matt, his coach, his family and friends have traveled many miles this summer; he has a tremendous group of enthusiastic supporters.
We offer huge congratulations to Matt on earning 5th place at the United States Marine Corps Junior Nationals in Greco Roman Wrestling and being named as an All-American in USA Wrestling.
Matt traveled far from his Oakdale roots to be a part of this amazing event. Fargo is one of the toughest and most prestigious wrestling tournaments in the country and brings together the best high school wrestlers from every state. Simply qualifying is an accomplishment; going a step further and earning All-American honors by placing on the podium is something few wrestlers ever achieve.
Matthew has put in countless hours this summer and his dedication and outstanding work ethic have paid off.
A special shout out to Robert Smith and all those who are in Matt’s corner. He is blessed with the best. Congratulations Matt … we are so proud of you. What a tremendous young man you are.
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This week Valley Home had a very special visitor. Former Valley Home girl, Piper Nunes, came to visit with her “besties” and she has many of them here in Valley Home. Piper lives in Oregon now, where she is a top competitor in rodeo. She also welcomed a new baby brother recently.
It was such a joy to welcome Piper for a weekend stay with one of her besties, Millie Cox. I can tell you all this; those two country girls made the most of their time together. They swam, then they swam again … I looked out the window towards Tena and Scott’s and they and their friends were swimming again. Piper and Millie enjoyed driving the mule (no, not the kind you ride on) and they took the mule down the creek bank, along the backroads to the General Store. I am sure many of you have memories of being young in Valley Home. I don’t think many things have changed over the years as far as what young people find to do in Valley Home during the summertime. Clover pastures with gushing irrigation ditches still beckon the kids and the General Store is still a hang out for young and old. Piper and Millie enjoyed really great times around midnight bonfires; they enjoyed time spent with good friends … friends who will forever be true lifelong friends. On my way to pick up Millie and Piper, I drove through our beautiful Valley Home late Saturday night. It was just a short distance but the peacefulness of this little community brought overwhelming joy to my heart. It truly takes a village; I feel so blessed to be able to live in this very special place, a place where so many look out for our children. We truly live in God’s country.
Piper and Millie and several friends enjoyed spending some very special summer days together once again, making memories as summer comes to a close and school gets ready to start for another year. God bless our Valley Home.
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As always, you may contact me by telephone or text at 209-985-5233. Until next time, “Happy Trails to All!”
