Editor's note: OK so during these times there isn't much news, but it is also true that during these times when we need to pull together as a community. Get to know one another better, reach out and celebrate who we are. Find ways to support each other. With that regard, I decided to run a series of article to do just that.
Terry and Twila Grant first met at Rocky Boy High school, where Terry was teaching, coaching basketball, and cheerleader. Twila worked in the office and took over the cheerleaders so Terry could concentrate on teaching and basketball.
Sports has always been a part of both their lives. Terry's favorite is sport is track having run track in college as well. Twila did track also, but cheerleading is her favorite.
Terry and Twila have been together for 40 years. They have three daughters; April, who was in the Navy for eight years, and now going to college, Angel has been in the Navy for 23 years, and Allison lives in Havre, where she works with a domestic abuse program. They have one son Mick who lives in Shelby. Altogether, they have eight grandchildren.
They love to bowl, and both enjoy gardening and flowers. Twila mentioned they love spending time with their grandchildren. Terry mentioned that Twila "loves holidays and the decorating that goes with it." Twila laughs in the background. Terry said, "she has boxes for every single holiday."
I asked them how are you staying positive during these difficult times. Terry said, "harassing each other." They laugh a lot. "We enjoy each other's humor."
Both are involved with health care, working at Big Sandy Activities. Twila said, "It's scary to a point, but you can't stop living." Both of them felt that the two safest places in town were the medical center and Big Sandy Activities. Twila said, "Big Sandy Activities has sanitizer taped at the door before you walk come in. The door is locked, and if you want to come in, you have to call a number." It's just locked down. It's contained. They are protecting the staff and the individuals. "It's tough on the clients because mostly they don't understand."
Terry said, "Life is real if I wanted to compare it with something...It's like inter-city life, you have to be prepared, but you can't be afraid. Being prepared, and it might come knocking on your door. Be prepared." Terry grew up in the inter-city, and "it was pretty tough."
"Be there for each other. Prepare. If it does hit Big Sandy, we will be there for each other. We'll be together."
I asked if there was any person in Big Sandy they held in high regard. They mentioned Rusty Danreuther and Brook Anderson, but when I told them I wanted to interview the person they thought highly of, they said Ann Bitz, "because Ann will always help anybody out. She's just a fantastic person."
Lastly, "The people in Big Sandy have treated us so good. It's home."
