Grandparents’ Journey Through Change, Challenge and Community
Growing up in a small rural town like Oconto, Nebraska, comes with a unique set of experiences that shape the people who live there. My grandparents, who have spent most of their lives in Oconto, have seen the town evolve dramatically over the years. In a recent conversation with them, I gained insight into how their community has changed, the challenges they have faced and the rewards of their work and perseverance.
My grandfather was born and raised in Oconto, witnessing firsthand the transformations that have taken place over the decades. One of the most significant changes he noted was the disappearance of the local school. In earlier years, Oconto had a high school and several country schools that served the surrounding farming communities. His mother attended a country school up to the 11th grade before transferring to Oconto for her senior year. Over time, the school system was consolidated, and eventually Oconto lost its school entirely. Today, students have to travel to neighboring towns like Callaway for their education.
Another major event that reshaped Oconto was a tornado in 2000, which destroyed half of the town. Businesses that once thrived were wiped out, and many were never rebuilt. While Oconto was already experiencing a decline, the tornado accelerated the town’s economic downturn. Years ago, the town had multiple grocery stores, lumber yards, blacksmith shops, a doctor and even a hotel. Over time, as people moved away and transportation improved, residents started traveling to larger towns for their needs. As a result, local businesses shut down one by one, leaving Oconto with fewer job opportunities and community resources.
Despite these hardships, my grandparents found ways to adapt. My grandmother initially stayed home to help on the farm, but financial pressures led her to seek outside employment. Farming is a demanding occupation that often requires taking on debt to keep operations running. In their early years of marriage, they struggled to make ends meet, especially when cattle prices fluctuated unpredictably. Recognizing the financial strain, my grandmother decided to pursue a job in town, even though my grandfather had hoped she would continue working alongside him on the farm. Over time, she found stable employment at a health clinic in Lexington, where she worked as a nurse for over 20 years.
Her work at the clinic highlighted health care disparities in rural areas. One of the biggest difficulties of providing health care in a rural area is the lack of immediate access to medical services. Many patients had to travel long distances to receive care and, in emergencies, the delay in treatment could be critical. Limited health care infrastructure meant that residents often faced longer waiting times for specialized treatment. Additionally, recruiting and retaining health care professionals in rural communities posed an ongoing challenge, leading to shortages of doctors and medical staff. However, working in a small-town clinic also had its benefits. She built strong relationships with her patients and gained the trust of the doctors she worked with. On several occasions, her keen observations helped identify serious medical conditions that might have otherwise gone unnoticed.
Through hard work, resilience and adaptability, my grandparents have navigated the many challenges of rural life. They have witnessed their town change dramatically, faced economic hardships and made sacrifices for their family’s well-being. Their story is a testament to the strength and determination of those who dedicate their lives to farming and rural health care, ensuring that even in the smallest of towns, people continue to persevere and thrive.
Rachel Gwinn is a senior at Skutt Catholic High School working on her senior capstone project on access to health care in rural America.