Lessons in Family, Grit, and the Future

Words by Beth Stukes | Images by Ryan McGill

I am part of a multi-generational coal mining family.

We never talked about the business and management of coal mines at our kitchen table because Mom was 'one of the girls.' Still, the coal mining industry and the home environment it created did catalyze my learning about being part of a family with grit, determination, and dedication to one another. 

I observed a strong-willed grandmother who fought for her family and its future and earned the admiration of her children and grandchildren. Through her, I learned that the larger family unit was more important than any one individual. I learned that, after God, nothing is more important than family and that you should respect each other and each other's talents and time. I learned about loyalty to family and employees. I learned times can be tough, that it isn't always fair or easy, and that you can't quit.

I now know you should bring your favorite dish to Easter and Christmas potluck gatherings. I know that prayer before a family meal binds us in praise and is a time to talk to God about the blessings of a big, boisterous family. I know that Easter egg hunts and tree plantings create memories for each new generation. I know that coming together for the funeral of our loved ones binds us together in sorrow. 

I am blessed to say I come from a time and place where coal mining was more than just a job – it was a common thread that bound entire communities together. My grandparents' generation may have worked in the mines, but the spoils of their work were more than coal. They brought home life lessons and wisdom enough to guide future generations.

Today, I wonder, what will bind us together going forward? Can the grit and determination of past generations be put to work to prepare today's children for the next half of the 21st century? We must remember the importance of the family and provide resources to support them. 

We must embrace the difference Pre-K programs can make in a young learner's success. We must recognize that every learner matters regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or social standing. We must ensure our children can become earners of a living wage and that 21st-century jobs await them. Each of us must engage and support these things, for they are the foundation of hope.

Our community is like a grandmother's quilt. Though a bit tattered and darned in a few places, each square is beautiful in its own way. As we navigate the uncharted path of the future, let us remember that, just like grandmother's quilt, our shared values and a commitment to family and community will continue to warm and bind us on even the coldest nights. 78