There are times when the words “Thank You” seem inadequate and so little to say in return for so much. This is such a time.

No matter how much I ponder, and I ponder a lot, I can’t string together any of the words in our vast English language that could come close to expressing the depth of my family’s gratitude, appreciation, and thanks to the Williams family.

Back in July when the “Great Debacle” began, our family had sold our home in Rapid City and was in the process of moving to Minot during the worst possible time to move to Minot in the past 500 years…give or take. Our friends, Steve and Tammi Williams, told us we could stay with them until we got things figured out and found a place to call home in Minot, Rapid City, or anywhere here or there.

There are words and sentences we impulsively put out there sometimes that the passage of time has us lashing ourselves with regret each time we see and hear ourselves uttering the words. “You can stay with us” is one such sentence that has most likely frequently tormented the thoughts and dreams of each member of the Williams family the past few months.

They are good people and I hope after all is said and done, they will remain good friends.

All will be said and done this week as we finally close on our new home here in Rapid City. A safe distance away from the banks of the mighty Mouse River and the exorbitant real estate prices courtesy of the Bakken boom.

This week the Williams family can have their life back the way it was prior to the “You can stay with us” day they have rued for so long. After long last their home will be Ellis free and once the fumigators pay a visit, or two, they will hardly even know we were ever here.

Physically they will be free of the ties that have bound us all in this communal living experiment that taught us more about each other than we probably cared to know. Physically they will be free but mental freedom may only be found at the bottom of a bourbon bottle coupled with the drug regime of a sympathetic psychiatrist.

I know they don’t expect or want anything more than a “Thank You” from us and possibly a promise we will turn them down if God forbid a similar situation were to ever arise again and they are unable to keep from uttering “You can stay with us.”

Thank you Steve, Tammi, Maura, Hermione, Martha Mae, and Buckeye for opening your home to us. Thank you for providing stability for us and our children during an unstable time. Thank you for the laughter we’ve shared and the talks we’ve had when laughing and talking were what we needed most. Thank you for everything. Your act of kindness and selflessness will always be greatly appreciated, and you can stay with us anytime.

Still makes you cringe a little doesn’t it?