Slice of Life Post for June 3, 2025, by Barb Edler

The first thing I remember being proud about was my wonderful mother. Debating who had the best mom was actually a childhood discussion. No one I knew had a bad mother. I am often deeply saddened when I realize many of my acquaintances and friends did not experience the same love and lessons my mother shared. She always reminded us to be nice, say thank you, and to share. Tomorrow will be her birthday, and although she’s been gone for over thirty years, I miss her deeply and wish I had been more like her.

Last week we made a quick trip to Colorado to see our oldest granddaughter graduate 8th grade. She won several awards and is clearly on a bright trajectory. Her mother shared she wanted to be a teacher. I responded, “Oh no.” Yes, she will be a fantastic teacher, but as hard as our government is working to dismantle education, I fear for our nation’s educational future and any soul who decides to be a future educator.

On Friday Joni Ernst revealed her true colors as a base, simple-minded, greedy Iowa senator who has no interest in helping her constituents. This was not a proud moment for any Iowan. Our state used to be a place that thrived and cared for others. Governor Robert Ray welcomed “Boat People.” Our politicians used to work together to ensure Iowa ranked at the top of education in our nation. Preserving health was once important. Now, according to Rob Sand, Iowa’s State Auditor, we are second to last in economic growth, 48th in personal income growth, and middle of the pack for public education, but number one in the country for cancer growth, and now, the worst economy in the nation.” I agree with him that these are not “first-place rankings to be proud.” Ernst comment, “We’re all going to die,” is, of course, a powerful truth and more of a reality when Trump’s “Beautiful Big Bill” intends to gut Medicaid and other programs many lives depend upon.

The week ended with an Instagram post Joni Ernst shared “supposedly” apologizing for her flippant remarks at the town hall meeting she had scheduled at 7:30 a.m. in Parkersburg. (I am sure to deter attendance even though around 100 concerned citizens showed up.) Of course, she just made matters worse by filming herself in a cemetery and making disparaging remarks about the beloved Tooth Fairy and closing the video by inviting people to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Oh my! Not a stellar move or proud moment. I hope she’s burning with shame, but I doubt it.

The following TikTok video perfectly captures the reason Ernst’s comment is so deplorable. Thank you, Denise Krebs, for sharing this with me.

Although the midweek was full of joy and a prideful moment, Ernst’s comments highlight the dire straits Iowans face if they continue to vote people of her ilk into office. I’m praying Iowans’ eyes will be opened and they will flip seats in 2026. Replacing money-hungry senators who could give a rip about the lives of Americans with civic-minded individuals who want the best for others will be a change in the right direction.

In closing, I want to wish my mother a very happy heavenly birthday and share a poem I wrote last month about growing up on Hilltop Road in Marion.

Go Ahead and Hit Us!

our 
goal 
to rule
Hilltop Road
cemented our bonds
daring each car passing our way