Montana is the most beautiful place I have ever been. Not only does this state hold some of my favorite things: lakes, gigantic trees, stunning mountains, and lots of cows, but it holds my family and a lot of my family's history.
Having the chance to go up to Helena just a few weeks ago was the highlight of my year, and its only April! I got to spend time with my grandparents, my aunts and uncles, and my cousins. Whether it was for a day or for the entire week, those moments mean so much to me. It is rare that I get to see the Ritter side. Living in California makes it a little more challenging for all of us to meet up and I can probably count on my hand the amount of times ALL of us were able to be together. Regardless, being with my family this Spring break was such a beautiful thing. So in case you want to revisit with me, here is my journey in Helena:
Day 1:
Oh my gosh what an early flight my dad and I had to catch. 4:30 am and we were off to the airport. I don't mind being up early, but apparently, my dad isn't so keen on the idea... After a stop in Salt Lake City (and a few complaints about how cold it was from my Montana- born -and- raised-father) we were on the smallest plane at the airport to fly up to Helena. After landing and squeezing off the plane, we were met by my grandpa and in the moment, I knew I was home.
So, we hopped in the car and were on our way from "the valley" to Helena. We stopped at Jimmy John's (a sandwich place I had only heard about from my non-California friends, but never actually seen) and made it back to my grandparent's house and my dad's childhood home. The homes here are stunning. Absolutely gorgeous.
Finally, to complete our day one visit, we went to see my grandma who is at a rehabilitation center in Helena due to a broken hip and previously dislocated shoulder. I thought it would be a lot harder to see her in a rehabilitation center, sending flashbacks of my grandma Madden in the same type of place, but instead of sadness rushing over me, I thought of how blessed she is that she still has the chance to get better, unlike my grandma Madden.
Oh, and of course we made a quick stop by the Capitol building! It is amazing that you can just drive right up to it! And what a architectural delight that building is!
Day 2:
My dad decided to show me around his old stomping grounds and by that I mean take me to Downtown Helena. DT Helena made me think of the cute downtowns in Glendora and La Verne, historic, rustic, and covered in small businesses. We went to Bert and Ernie's for lunch, walked DT, and I just listened as my dad reminisced on his youth.
Later that night, my dad and I watched Schindler's List, a move I had never seen before. I cried and cried and was reminded of the injustices of this world, but the beauty of change and how one person really can make a difference.
I also watched the playoffs for the Final Four with my grandpa, and though I am not a huge basketball-watching fan, being with my grandpa made it something to enjoy.
Day 3:
This fine Saturday morning inspired me to take a walk around the neighborhood. Have i mentioned how lovely the weather was? 30's-50's the whole time and let me tell you, that was a nice change from the 80's-90's I was getting back home. Block by block I was amazed at the homes. Each one unique in its exterior and I swear I was on the set of a 1900's movie. I tried to sneak in as many pictures as possible, without the owners seeing me and thinking I was stalking them!
Grandpa and I then watched Duke beat Wisconsin. #GoBadgers
Day 4:
Easter Sunday. My dad, grandpa, and I went to St. Helena's Cathedral for Easter Mass. Talk about a beautiful building, stained glass windows, and singing voices echoing throughout. As we left Mass, I opened the door to every Southern California girl's dream (and every other state's worst nightmare)... SNOW! It was actually snowing!!
We took a detour when heading home to see my grandma Madden's childhood home and the burning sensation only tears can give you, ran up in to my eyes. I miss her everyday.
Once we were back home, the Easter festivities began! Aunt Teresa, Mitchell, and Connor has already arrived, followed by the arrival of Aunt Brenda and Uncle Greg, Andy, Alex, and Abby, and finally Uncle Dan and Jack. Uncle Greg and I headed off to the rehab center to pick up Grandma! My dad was busy cooking away in the kitchen.
Once Grandma had arrived, the party began. Chatter and reminiscing filled the rooms. Uncle Greg pulled out old videos, to which my dad reminded everyone that he was the star. We sat, we watched, we laughed. And then it was time for dinner. And what a delicious dinner it was.
And I looked outside the windows and the snow began to stick.
Day 5:
This day was filled with mostly business stuff for my dad, so Abby and I headed off to do our own thing. First, we went to Scenic Brew for coffee, but right as we sat down, Abby got a call from her dad asking her to come back to Grandpa's house. And so we went, picked up some papers and saw Alex's new car. Then it was time to go thrifting! Let me tell ya, thrift stores are so much cheaper and have I mentioned the "no sales tax?" Because that is basically the best thing EVER.
It was raining as we headed out of the thrift store, so Abby and I headed back to her GORGEOUS house. How three college students can afford a house is amazing to me and then Abby reminded me that the cost of houses in Helena is nothing in comparison to San Diego and I was lost in a dream of moving up to Montana and actually being able to afford to live...
We hung out for a while, chatted, caught up on life, and then as all girls decide to do, we went to Target. Once I knew there was a Target in Helena, I was sold.
Day 6:
My dad and I ventured to his Alma Mater (and the Alma Mater of the majority of my Ritter family) Carroll College. I swear that place is a castle. We walked around, I listed to my dad's "tour" (my tour guide brain turned on and I tried imagining how I would give a tour of Carroll, you just can't get rid of admissions once it is a part of your life!). I was mistaken as a incoming student a couple of times, which was flattering and concerning all in the same measure. My dad ran in to a few people he knew during his years at Carroll and we went to the bookstore to buy gifts for my family.
Day 7:
Our final hours spent in Helena were spent with my grandpa and grandma. Getting to be with them everyday was something that I want to hold on to forever. My grandpa is such an intelligent man with so many stories, I want to soak them all up. Seeing my grandma and encouraging her meant so much to me. Whether we were watching basketball or sitting at the rehab center, I loved every minute.
And then my grandpa took us to the airport and it was time to say goodbye. Now, I know that it will only be a few short months before I see them and the rest of my family again, but there was something about this trip that made these moments extra special. Maybe it was getting to be in a place I had never been, maybe it was spending time with my grandparents by myself, maybe it was getting to travel with my dad, or maybe it was just everything. Montana brings together something special. That is why I love Montana. That is why I miss Montana. That is why I think of it, imagine it, and desire it everyday.
Until next time.
“I’m in love with Montana. For other states I have admiration, respect, recognition, even some affection. But with Montana it is love. And it’s difficult to analyze love when you’re in it.” -John Steinbeck
Having the chance to go up to Helena just a few weeks ago was the highlight of my year, and its only April! I got to spend time with my grandparents, my aunts and uncles, and my cousins. Whether it was for a day or for the entire week, those moments mean so much to me. It is rare that I get to see the Ritter side. Living in California makes it a little more challenging for all of us to meet up and I can probably count on my hand the amount of times ALL of us were able to be together. Regardless, being with my family this Spring break was such a beautiful thing. So in case you want to revisit with me, here is my journey in Helena:
Day 1:
Oh my gosh what an early flight my dad and I had to catch. 4:30 am and we were off to the airport. I don't mind being up early, but apparently, my dad isn't so keen on the idea... After a stop in Salt Lake City (and a few complaints about how cold it was from my Montana- born -and- raised-father) we were on the smallest plane at the airport to fly up to Helena. After landing and squeezing off the plane, we were met by my grandpa and in the moment, I knew I was home.
So, we hopped in the car and were on our way from "the valley" to Helena. We stopped at Jimmy John's (a sandwich place I had only heard about from my non-California friends, but never actually seen) and made it back to my grandparent's house and my dad's childhood home. The homes here are stunning. Absolutely gorgeous.
Finally, to complete our day one visit, we went to see my grandma who is at a rehabilitation center in Helena due to a broken hip and previously dislocated shoulder. I thought it would be a lot harder to see her in a rehabilitation center, sending flashbacks of my grandma Madden in the same type of place, but instead of sadness rushing over me, I thought of how blessed she is that she still has the chance to get better, unlike my grandma Madden.
Oh, and of course we made a quick stop by the Capitol building! It is amazing that you can just drive right up to it! And what a architectural delight that building is!
Day 2:
My dad decided to show me around his old stomping grounds and by that I mean take me to Downtown Helena. DT Helena made me think of the cute downtowns in Glendora and La Verne, historic, rustic, and covered in small businesses. We went to Bert and Ernie's for lunch, walked DT, and I just listened as my dad reminisced on his youth.
Later that night, my dad and I watched Schindler's List, a move I had never seen before. I cried and cried and was reminded of the injustices of this world, but the beauty of change and how one person really can make a difference.
I also watched the playoffs for the Final Four with my grandpa, and though I am not a huge basketball-watching fan, being with my grandpa made it something to enjoy.
Day 3:
This fine Saturday morning inspired me to take a walk around the neighborhood. Have i mentioned how lovely the weather was? 30's-50's the whole time and let me tell you, that was a nice change from the 80's-90's I was getting back home. Block by block I was amazed at the homes. Each one unique in its exterior and I swear I was on the set of a 1900's movie. I tried to sneak in as many pictures as possible, without the owners seeing me and thinking I was stalking them!
Grandpa and I then watched Duke beat Wisconsin. #GoBadgers
Day 4:
Easter Sunday. My dad, grandpa, and I went to St. Helena's Cathedral for Easter Mass. Talk about a beautiful building, stained glass windows, and singing voices echoing throughout. As we left Mass, I opened the door to every Southern California girl's dream (and every other state's worst nightmare)... SNOW! It was actually snowing!!
We took a detour when heading home to see my grandma Madden's childhood home and the burning sensation only tears can give you, ran up in to my eyes. I miss her everyday.
Once we were back home, the Easter festivities began! Aunt Teresa, Mitchell, and Connor has already arrived, followed by the arrival of Aunt Brenda and Uncle Greg, Andy, Alex, and Abby, and finally Uncle Dan and Jack. Uncle Greg and I headed off to the rehab center to pick up Grandma! My dad was busy cooking away in the kitchen.
Once Grandma had arrived, the party began. Chatter and reminiscing filled the rooms. Uncle Greg pulled out old videos, to which my dad reminded everyone that he was the star. We sat, we watched, we laughed. And then it was time for dinner. And what a delicious dinner it was.
And I looked outside the windows and the snow began to stick.
Day 5:
This day was filled with mostly business stuff for my dad, so Abby and I headed off to do our own thing. First, we went to Scenic Brew for coffee, but right as we sat down, Abby got a call from her dad asking her to come back to Grandpa's house. And so we went, picked up some papers and saw Alex's new car. Then it was time to go thrifting! Let me tell ya, thrift stores are so much cheaper and have I mentioned the "no sales tax?" Because that is basically the best thing EVER.
It was raining as we headed out of the thrift store, so Abby and I headed back to her GORGEOUS house. How three college students can afford a house is amazing to me and then Abby reminded me that the cost of houses in Helena is nothing in comparison to San Diego and I was lost in a dream of moving up to Montana and actually being able to afford to live...
We hung out for a while, chatted, caught up on life, and then as all girls decide to do, we went to Target. Once I knew there was a Target in Helena, I was sold.
Day 6:
My dad and I ventured to his Alma Mater (and the Alma Mater of the majority of my Ritter family) Carroll College. I swear that place is a castle. We walked around, I listed to my dad's "tour" (my tour guide brain turned on and I tried imagining how I would give a tour of Carroll, you just can't get rid of admissions once it is a part of your life!). I was mistaken as a incoming student a couple of times, which was flattering and concerning all in the same measure. My dad ran in to a few people he knew during his years at Carroll and we went to the bookstore to buy gifts for my family.
Day 7:
Our final hours spent in Helena were spent with my grandpa and grandma. Getting to be with them everyday was something that I want to hold on to forever. My grandpa is such an intelligent man with so many stories, I want to soak them all up. Seeing my grandma and encouraging her meant so much to me. Whether we were watching basketball or sitting at the rehab center, I loved every minute.
And then my grandpa took us to the airport and it was time to say goodbye. Now, I know that it will only be a few short months before I see them and the rest of my family again, but there was something about this trip that made these moments extra special. Maybe it was getting to be in a place I had never been, maybe it was spending time with my grandparents by myself, maybe it was getting to travel with my dad, or maybe it was just everything. Montana brings together something special. That is why I love Montana. That is why I miss Montana. That is why I think of it, imagine it, and desire it everyday.
Until next time.
“I’m in love with Montana. For other states I have admiration, respect, recognition, even some affection. But with Montana it is love. And it’s difficult to analyze love when you’re in it.” -John Steinbeck