with bills, sharing their stories of hardships that tugged at her heart and overwhelmed her with sadness. How do you choose who to help? How do you help them all? It became so overwhelming Farrah’s dad did not allow her to read the mail anymore. Her parents disconnected their phone to stop all the calls. Of course, being 21 and suddenly having money, Farrah did what many would do. “I bought cars,” she said. “I love cars. I went out with my friends. I bought my first house and season tickets to the Vikings. I did some silly stuff, but I had a good time doing it.” As the first years were hard for Farrah as she made her way through this major life change, she always had a feeling if she could just get through the first five years, she felt things would get easier. As it turns out, that is exactly what happened. After ending a 2-and-a-half year relationship, months later Farrah reconnected with a longtime friend in 2004 -- Jarrod McKinney. “Jarrod helped me navigate through the harder things,” Farrah says. “He was sweet and kind and genuine. He put me
“It is impossible to please everyone Put your time and energy into people who mean something to you.” - Farrah McKinney first and we have been inseparable ever since.” Now, 19 years later, Farrah is happy and content. She continues to live in the Brainerd lakes area with her husband, Jarrod, of nine years and her son and daughter. She volunteers at their school, with the local library, as well as other nonprofits. She enjoys biking, running, and signing up for whatever crazy adventures her friends rope her into, including a half marathon, and most recently, she finished her
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Farrah volunteering at the Friends of the Brainerd Public Library book sale. first Ragnar Trail Run. The rollercoaster of those early years as a Powerball winner have faded from the original upheaval of her life to something she can talk about openly and honestly. And those random numbers that won? 5-10-12-20-40 and Powerball 3? Farrah has never played them again, although she does admit, she does still like to play the lottery. Her advice to anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation: • Trust your gut when it comes to people • Don’t do things because you feel you have to • You can’t change the world • It is impossible to please everyone • Put your time and energy into people who mean something to you • Nurture relationships that help not hinder • ALWAYS believe in yourself
Sheila DeChantal is a freelance writer and book reviewer. She writes about life meanderings and books at the website Bookjourney. net. She is President of the Friends of the Brainerd Public Library and is on the city library board. When not reading or writing she enjoys spending time with friends and family, biking, hiking, mud runs, kickboxing, and finding any excuse to wear a costume. 28 her voice | Winter 2017 • Share your voice with us on Facebook