Avery and I dreamed of a honeymoon on a sandy beach, basking in sunshine, clear blue water shimmering before us - a piña colada in one hand, a cigar in the other (the cigar, of course, was mine). We knew we wanted our honeymoon to help us escape Nebraska’s winter chill, and not flee the high plains during the heat of summer. I feel like that’s the dream for so many in Sidney: find warmth and respite when Ol’ Man Winter wraps his icy grip around the heartland.

Last week, we lived that dream. Jamaica was everything we’d hoped for—delicious food, catamaran cruises and seashell hunting with my best friend, the mother of my child, and most importantly, my wife. For once, I wasn’t the one scrolling enviously through friends’ beach photos on social media—I was the one snapping the pictures.

Humble brag. We even brought a little pride for Nebraska, winning the Sandals cornhole tournament against people from Texas, Montana and LSU! 

Yet as we dragged our suitcases filled with beachwear and family gifts (including Jamaican rum for Dad) back to the frozen tundra of the plains, it hit me: even in paradise, part of me missed home.

We returned to Sidney at 5:45 p.m. Saturday, racing to shower and change into “denim and diamonds” for the Cheyenne County Chamber Banquet, which began at 5 p.m. After a filling delicious dinner from Outlaw Meat Company, I was honored to learn I was the recipient of the annual "Community Leader Award."

Even as the dreadful "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond played in the background, hearing Don Davis describe the honor as recognizing “significant contributions to the community’s well-being and growth” felt surreal. I was humbled, knowing how many others in our communities are just as, or even more, deserving.

I spoke with Alisha Juelfs, another award recipient, the next day. We agreed, it’s hard to put into words what these recognitions mean and how much they mean to us coming from our communities. One word kept coming to mind: honored.

Honored to be nominated among so many incredible community leaders. Honored to share this with my coworkers and our supportive local businesses. Honored to work in a place that feels more like a family than a job. Honored to work hard for you.

Sidney Regional Medical Center’s Jason Petik once asked me how many cups of coffee I drink to stay so energized and positive. I don’t drink coffee. I thrive off energy from you - the calls, the messages, the everyday interactions. You inspire me to bring 110% every day.

I remember a night in October 2016, sitting on the edge of my bed, tears streaming as I thought of home. Cabela’s had sold, friends were losing jobs and families were moving away. I wasn’t even a Cabela’s employee, but the news of family and friends losing their jobs and careers hit me hard.

It wasn’t just a company - it was home. Home was hurting. I prayed for Sidney. I prayed for a chance to give back to the town that gave me so much.

Now, managing 987 The Big Boy and Cheyenne County Country, I’m living that chance. I'm living the dream young Hunter wanted when we watched the Nebraska-Tennessee National Championship football game, keeping stats under the kitchen table and pretending to announce the game, in 1997. I owe this town, I owe this area, for giving me my dream life, and I don’t take that lightly.

As I sit in the studio, watching the wind whip an American flag outside Hickory Street Square, with temperatures plunging to -28 degrees, my heart is full and warm. There’s no community award without a community of people, supporters and coworkers who stand with you. I'm just blessed to have the best with you in my corner. 

This isn't just where I work; you’re where I belong. Thank you for believing in me, inspiring me and giving my family and me the blessing of calling this place home. It seems like I've been saying this a lot lately, but I truly mean it when I say you matter more to me than words can ever say. You need to know that. 

Do I miss the sandy beaches and tropical sun on this frigid, freezing, negative ridiculous degree temperature day? Sure. But when I look around, I realize I never really left paradise.