The Power of a Dum Dum

Although I grew up on Galveston Island in Texas, my parents are from South Dakota. In the summers, we would head back to spend a week or two in the little town of Parkston – population 1,200. It was incredible to be part of a smaller community each summer. We would ride bikes, walk from the park to the pool, see the farms, the churches, and more.

One of the best parts of our visits was going to work with our Grandpa Kermie (Kermit). 

My Grandma Lucille and Grandpa owned a gas distribution company – which meant he had a gas truck and delivered fuel to the farmers all over the area. We’d wake up bright and early and head to his tank storage facility to fill the truck for the morning run. Then we’d stop by the local store and grab bags of Dum Dum lollipops. 

During our drives, Grandpa would tell us the most amazing stories about his life – driving an 18-wheeler across the country before he married Grandma. He clearly had an amazing love of Grandma and our family. 

He knew everyone in town and the surrounding areas. And everyone fed off his positive energy for life. Every car that we saw on the road we’d wave to (I learned the two-finger wave while you hold the steering wheel from him), and “tooted” the air horn. We’d talk to the other truckers on the CB radio: “Breaker 1-9 for a radio check, come back…”

Each day was a new adventure.

We’d pull into farms, rolling up to deliver our fuel and talk to farmers and their families. The kids would run so fast to see us. Grandpa Kermie would hop out of the truck – full of life and energy and hand out Dum Dums to all the kids. 

They loved it – I can still see their smiles. It felt like a parade and we were the main float. 

The farmers would discuss their business, crop prices and weather. Each was so genuine, so humble, so hard working. Grandpa would always remind us that each person we meet plays an important role in life. The farmers are taking care of our planet and providing food for our families.  

We’d stop back by the house for lunch. Grandpa would take a power nap in the recliner to recharge before we went back on the road. Grandma would be upstairs doing the books. She taught us how to write checks, and about accounts payable, accounts receivable, inventory and ordering.

Looking back, I can see how they both did what they were best at and loved to do. 

Sometimes we’d stop by the corner café or truck stops to grab a Squirt (“pop” in that neck of the woods). Grandpa Kermie would immediately announce to the truckers that we were his “grandsons from Texas.” He’d make sure we talked to each of them.

Grandpa would remind us how important the truckers were to our country. They helped the goods get from point A to point B. The truckers would be on the roads for weeks at a time, away from their families. We needed to thank them and be grateful for their service. 

I was talking to my mother recently about the Dum Dums. She reminded me that when Kermie passed away, we made a Dum Dum wreath to place by his casket. We, the grandchildren, put Dum Dums in his casket as the service came to end.  We had such a good cry and laugh about it. 

It reminded me that the little things matter, too. Even a Dum Dum can have a magical impact on someone’s life.

And each of us has the power to have a positive impact on the lives of others. As a business owner, it’s a lesson I take to heart in all my dealings –with customers, partners, and employees.

Thank you, Grandpa Kermie, for sharing your love to all the families and the community around Parkston, South Dakota. The world is better for it.