Op-Ed
Sometimes people ask why I only work at the cemetery with the kids and not go around town working on other projects. From the outside, it might look like I’ve got everything together—a beautiful wife, wonderful kids, a nice house, a growing business, and the privilege of being the mayor. But sometimes, what people see is just a part of the story. Life isn’t always as perfect as it looks.
The cemetery is a place where I can reflect. It’s a constant reminder that, no matter how hard we push or how much we accomplish, life can be fragile. When I come here, I’m reminded to slow down, to appreciate what I have, and to keep in mind that time is precious— because time is the only thing we can’t get back. Sometimes, it’s easy to get caught up in the pressures of trying to make everything work— businesses, family, responsibilities— but if we don’t take a moment to breathe, we may end up here sooner than we realize. That thought keeps me grounded.
I bring the kids here not just to work, but to talk, to have some fun with their friends, and learn about life. Life is difficult, and everyone faces challenges, no matter how it looks from the outside. Mental health is something we don’t talk about enough, but it’s important. Sometimes, the weight of life and its pressures can feel overwhelming, and it’s okay to admit that.
I also want them to learn practical skills, like how to use a shovel— something a lot of kids today don’t know how to do. It’s not just about the work; it’s about teaching them the value of effort and connecting that to the bigger lessons in life.
Spending time at the cemetery gives me a chance to have those real conversations with the kids. I want them to know that no matter what they do in life, whether they become rocket scientists or work hard at a local job, the challenges they’ll face will always be there. But the key is staying strong mentally, being true to yourself, and understanding that it’s okay to struggle—what matters is how you move forward. It’s a lesson I’m still learning myself.
At the end of the day, it’s not about how successful we look or how much we accomplish on the surface. It’s about the time we spend with the people we love and the strength we build within ourselves. Life is short, and I want the kids to know that it’s okay to take a moment, breathe, and appreciate where they are—because we all end up here someday. What’s important is that we live fully, cherish the moments that truly matter, and remember that time is the one thing we can never get back.