Gems in the Coulee – Fern Blaylock

Her name goes hand in hand with the food bank and hugs and kisses. Those by themselves are enough to put her on the list of local gems, but this small-in-stature lady has a heart that is bigger than even possible.

Fern has been around the area for a long time, although no one I chatted with about her could pinpoint the time or date. She has just always been around. The food bank is now her passion; well, it is, at least, where we all see her the most, ordering her army of volunteers in organizing and delivering food to those who need it, or accepting checks and donations from different organizations that have gathered small amounts for the food bank cause. I have spoken to her on occasions and it is apparent that she has a desire to see no family go hungry in our area. Her desire is seen in her eyes, eyes that at times seem tired but are kept moving by the smiles she has put firmly on the lips of those she has served.

The food bank is not the only place where she creates smiles. She also volunteers at the elementary school. Hugs are shared with her by the little arms that cling to her daily. Love abounds as she walks the halls and the playground. A lady that is not much taller than the little cherubs she holds the door open for and makes sure their day is as good as she can make it. "She is very nice." That is how Penelope summed her up with a look of pride and confidence on her face. I could not help but think that is exactly what Fern is trying to instill in the receivers of her gifts. Pride and confidence delivered with a hug and a smile.

Children are not the only ones that receive her one-of-a-kind hugs. Many, many adults in the area have received them and consider them hugs of gold. As I have received many of them, I would agree. It is the hug of a grandmother that loves you for you. It is always a little tighter than you expect and lasts a little longer than the normal hug, leaving no room for misunderstanding.

It is a hug from a woman who cares. Even if she does not know you, she seems to see the good in you, and with that hug nourishes that good and feeds it. Just like the food at the bank with which she feeds our bellies, her hugs seem to feed our souls. You cannot break an embrace with Fern without feeling her outpouring of love.

Fern is an inspiration to all that come into contact with her. There is no way I could possibly write all the good things said about her by the many people who wanted to tell me something about her. I think the little girl summed it up. "She is very nice."

Yep, she is, and I think she makes the Coulee a better place. A full belly and a full heart and an undying passion to see the people around her happy. Thanks, Fern, for your love of us all.