A Grateful Montanan

by Sue Lawrence

You’re probably a local. A native Montanan. If so, I envy you. You grew up in this land of rugged beauty, starstudded dark skies, and close-knit communities. I see you—you still put in long days of work although you’re officially retired. There’s stuff to be done so you do it, but every day brings you close to your kin and friends, too. Like the fourth line of John Donne’s poem, “No Man Is an Island,” you are “a part of the main.”

I, too, am a Montanan—now. Can’t call myself a local, though, because I grew up in Alabama—a beautiful state, but different from Montana’s mountains and plains. I came here in 2017 as a nontraditional college student at the age of 58. After four decades as a Registered Nurse, I needed a jump-start. An adventure. A new journey. So, I decided to do college again—intent on becoming a better writer and a published author. I’d always wanted to see what Montana was really like—and, I wanted to photograph its scenery and wildlife—so, I looked up “colleges in Montana with creative writing majors” on my computer. Rocky Mountain College popped up on a short list. I studied their website and read online reviews students had written about Rocky’s campus life: they spoke of small class sizes, a sense of community, and how engaged the faculty are in the career goals of their students. Then, I learned all I could about Billings, and Montana, as a whole. It seemed this state was beckoning me and I became excited with life, again!

I needed a change—a strong one. Seven years prior, 11 people I knew died within an 18-month period. That number included my special needs brother; a close friend; a step-granddaughter; and “my Bill,” (my husband of 11 years). All that loss was depressing. Going back to college would not only be a new venture, I thought, it’d be full of hope for the future. And, it was!

I came to Billings sight unseen and lived and learned with fellow students 40 years my junior. But I was there for the same reasons they were—not to change them or “mom” them. I intentionally started conversations with whomever was in front of me in the dining hall line or sitting beside me in class. I took an interest in their lives and cheered for them at their athletic games, theatrical plays, choir concerts, art gallery openings, and research symposiums.

When I graduated from RMC in 2019 at the age of 60, I was the oldest graduate to walk across the commencement stage that year. This time, my college friends and professors were in the audience cheering me on.

My graduation goal was to publish two books in the next five years. My picture book, Montana’s Memory Day: A nature-themed foster/adoption story, illustrated with hand-carved linocut prints by Erika Wilson—a 3rd generation Montanan— was published in 2021. Now, I’m writing a nonfiction children’s book about the not-forgotten Navy WAVES (Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Service) who helped America and her allies win WWII. I’ve done my research—I know Montana has more military veterans per capita than all the other states in America, except Alaska. I wonder how many of you served during WWII, and/or the wars since then? It fits well with the persona of Montana’s own—dedicated, dependable, proud.

My decision to come to Billings was a wise one. I didn’t come here to change the way things are—I fell in love with this state as it is. Its hard-working people. The outdoor goodness that satisfies my soul. Montana’s everyday way of life.

I began eating lunches at the Alliance Meal Site at the end of 2022, accompanied by my sweet friend, Sue Lane. She brought me with her the first time and introduced me to folks. Now I visit 2-3 times a week on my own for the tasty, hot meals and camaraderie. It’s the people that really make a place, ya know.

I’ll never be considered a local because I wasn’t born here, but thanks for accepting me all the same. I came as quick as I could. I’m a grateful Montanan and thrilled to now be “a part of the main.”