REFLECTIONS

Reflections on death and mortality bring us to understanding that life is very fragile. We face our own mortality at no pre-arranged time.

Google says "your mortality" means the recognition of your own inevitable death, the state of being mortal, and the awareness that life is finite, often prompting deeper reflection on life's meaning, purpose, and how to live fully in the present.

“It can also refer to death rates in populations (like infant mortality), but in a personal sense, it's about confronting your own limited time.”

The subject of mortality should not be interpreted as a negative form of discussion.

Mortality applies to all of us. It means that we all will die but as we age, we realize that our time on Earth is limited, whether we live to be only hours old or live to be over 100.

I lost two cousins during the past few months, one my mother’s side (Nadiene Olson at age 91) and the other on my father’s side (Craig Lestrud at age 63).

There are only two living first cousins on my mother’s side, my brother Dave and me.

Cousin Nadiene

Nadiene was born on Dec.10, 1933, in Albert Lea to Grace and Orven Dale.

On April 24, 1955. Nadiene married the love of her life, with whom she shared a rich history. In the words of her obituary, they grew up together, attending Bible Camp, confirmation, and high school.

“Their union blossomed into a beautiful family as they raised their four children with unwavering love and care.”

As “a proud member of the Albert Lea High School Class of 1952, Nadiene served as editor of the high school newspaper, the AHLAHASA showcasing her talent for writing early on.”

Nadiene furthered her education at the University of Minnesota and the Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis, where she earned a degree as a medical technician.

Her newspaper career began with a position with the Albert Lea Tribune, contributing to the Social Happenings column. This is how I learned that I picked my writing skills from cousin Nadiene. I started my newspaper career in 1965 at the Evening Tribune in Albert Lea.

My mother, Alma, also had a knack for writing. Alma wrote the Albert Lea High School Song during her senior year in 1927. She graduated in ’27 from school of the Tigers.

Nadiene became part of many church communities with her many social columns.

“An avid reader and crossword puzzle enthusiast, Nadiene's intellectual curiosity never waned. She found delight in the simple pleasures of life, including games of Scrabble, which she relished with family and friends.

“She also found great joy in making quilts, many of which she donated to new mothers through various organizations,” her obituary noted. “Her skilled cross-stitch creations were another artistic talent of hers, along with her culinary and hosting talents, which she passed down to her children. Her turkey dinners, a family favorite, brought those she loved together around the table.”

Nadiene “exemplified a life of faith, love and resilience. Her legacy is one of a woman who loved Jesus fiercely and shared her faith with others. She will be missed for her quiet strength and joyful spirit.”

Craig Lestrud

My cousins' paths in life were different, and that’s why I admired them.

Craig Lestrud had 63 years in this world. He was born on Feb. 13, 1962, and died on Dec. 24, 2025.

Though Nadiene was 91, it is not wise to compare the lives of people by years of existence. Years of public service can be used in making comparisons.

Craig grew up in south central Minnesota. Military service was most important to him.

On November 25, 1980, he joined the United States Army, where he served in the 10th Armored Division and was among the first soldiers to test the Abrams Main Battle Tank, according to his obituary.

He also served in Germany with the German 1st Armored Division and was honorably discharged on Nov. 25, 1986. On April 27, 2001, Craig married Trisha Walsh, and they continued to live in Freeborn County until the time of his death.

In his free time, Craig enjoyed singing karaoke and riding his motorcycle with Trisha. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles #2258 and was an active member of the Glenville Legion Riders Post 264.

As you can see, these two cousins are very different in many ways but very similar in other ways.