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February 26, 2026

Jason Bonnicksen

AN 8000K SMILE

365 DAYS OF THANKSLIVING — DAY 2

AN 8000K SMILE
This morning, I had the pleasure of visiting with two treasured friends. Both are in their mid-90s, and just months apart. While their physical bodies aren’t as strong as they used to be, their minds are as sharp as tacks (which makes our conversations hugely interesting).
 
I didn’t plan to surprise either of them today, but unbeknownst to me, my doing so was a big hit. Come along with me to where my morning began.
 
I backed out of the garage a bit earlier this morning, knowing I had a bunch of miles to cover and only so many hours to do it in. After filling my communion kit, I ventured southeast toward St. James (about a 25-minute drive).
One can’t stop in St. James, though, without stopping into Schmidt’s Bakery to get a dozen of the BEST donuts anywhere. (Take it from the fat-n-sassy pastor, I know my donuts, and Schmidt’s ranks up there as one of the best).
 
Whatever excuse I need to go to Schmidt’s, I’ll take it. And hey, besides my tummy growling, I thought I’d gift my sweetie with a sweet treat for her birthday, and also get a couple of “yum yums” for my friend LaDonna (who loves Schmidt’s donuts even more than I do, if that’s even possible).
 
Anyway, after satisfying my donut craving, I clicked on the GPS to get me from Schmidt’s to Ronny’s new place. Ron is 95 and just moved into a senior apartment. Since I hadn’t been there before, I had to check which apartment he was in. As I was heading his way, there he was in the lounge, looking right at me. He said, “Pastor, you’re looking a little lost.” Oh my gosh, I laughed so hard.
For the next hour, Ron and I talked, laughed and shared a hundred smiles. And goodness, did I learn so much. The history lesson: WOW! I can’t wait to go back in a couple of weeks and hear more of SW’s Minnesota’s history from one Mr. Feeken.
 
Being mindful that I had an 11:30 deadline to pick up some flowers, and a noon luncheon with my peers, I got back on the road to see LaDonna (of course, with “yum yums” in hand). Twenty minutes later I arrived in Mt. Lake.
 
I walked into LaDonna’s room at just the right time—not too early, but with just enough time to visit before lunch. Before we could really get chatting, she said, “What’s that in your hand?”
 
“Well, you’ll just have to open it and see,” I said. “It’s for you.” I handed LaDonna the bag, and when she opened it, her face lit up to 8000K (Kelvin).
 
With her face glowing like the sun, she whispered, “Oh, you. You didn’t have to do that.”
 
Well, no I didn’t, but I wanted to. When you’re blessed by the joyful presence of those you’ve come to love, you just wanna bless them back. LaDonna and I chatted about all the happenings in the great metropolis of Comfrey, MN, and the blessings of family and friends.
 
Today, I’m thankful I was able to bring a bit of organic joy to my friends. While they often share how blessed they feel when I visit, in truth, I’m the one who feels blessed. Anyway, today I’m thankful for the privilege of having friends like Ronny and LaDonna—two wonderful treasures who know how to light up a room.

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