by HPR Contributor | .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) | Editorial | December 12th, 2018
by Josh Boschee
joshua.boschee@yahoo.com
photo courtesy of Mitch Marr
Eight words that perfectly describe the beautiful spirit of Kim Winnegge.
"I have given my whole life to words."
Those of us who knew her remember these words as a prominent tattoo she proudly wore on her upper arm. But to Kim, this was a statement of the power that words have in the mundane and the extraordinary moments of our lives.
The web of friends that Kim made and introduced to each other was reconnected with texts, Facebook messages and phone calls that began with "I'm not sure if you heard, but Kim died." High school friends from Devils Lake. Co-workers and roommates from Fargo-Moorhead. Classmates from Northampton. Best friends spread along the coasts and within the Midwest. All checking in with one another to share the terrible news that one of the brightest souls anyone had the fortune to meet, was no longer with us.
To know Kim is to have experienced Kim. She didn't let you just walk by at a party with only a glance, she embraced you and intentionally connected with you so that she knew you. Many who read this will smile as they reminisce about their first interaction with Kim. Likely in a crowded, public place such as a bar or perhaps in a quiet corner of a downtown coffee shop or by the racks of the local thrift store was when Kim first saw you and brought you into her life. The common, polite greeting of "Hello, how are you?" was more than just nuance for her. It was her way to challenge the common response of "Fine" or "Great" that we are all accustomed to with a "No, really. How are you?" or "Are you sure you're just fine? Can I give you a hug?"
Kim saw the world in all of its colors and often found a way to wear all of the world's colors. She could read people, and no one was a stranger to her. Kim was authentic and raw. While she felt pain and was honest about her own struggles, she wanted you to know that while life isn't supposed to be easy, it can get better. Our scars define us, and our mistakes make us stronger. But we must be kind to one another. We must love more and lead with what we agree on, rather than allow our differences to divide us. Poetry and lyrics were the anecdotes that connected her understanding of the emotions we experienced.
As many of Kim's friends continue to share stories about her, a common theme is that she opened us up to new experiences. Whether it was provocative art, little-known musicians, political rallies, queer dance spaces or creative entrees, Kim didn't mind being unique. She pushed boundaries by exploring them for herself and often inviting others along with her. She questioned most anything for the sake of it needing to be questioned. It wasn't about being defiant, but rather to experience things in a different way. In fact, it surprised many of us that Kim's hometown priest shared that she attended church often while she lived back home with her mom. He loved that she was there to experience her mom's faith and then question the dogma while embracing the ritual. She could have avoided the church and simply stated her disagreements from afar, but she chose to engage, experience and push her own boundaries.
Kim wanted to live in a world where we made more friends than we did enemies. A world that celebrated our diverse humanity and lifted people up.
Kim made the world a place where words mattered, and they didn't simply define us, they united us.
You are missed greatly, darling. But you will not be forgotten.
___________
Editor’s note: Josh Boschee, minority leader in the ND House of Representatives, represents the 44th District.
May 22nd 2019
May 15th 2019
May 8th 2019
May 1st 2019
April 25th 2019
__293px-wide.jpg)
FARGO - Rain or shine, the Fargo Antiques ROADSHOW is scheduled to last all day on June 1 at Bonanzaville. The show is part of a five-city tour, and the venues are chosen for their historic significance. As all tickets are…
Shodan has been called the “scariest search engine on the internet.” It has the ability to expose and allow access to many devices including servers, computers, phones, fridges, traffic lights, security cameras and even control…
Wednesday, May 29, 5-8 p.m.Plains Art Museum, 704 1st Ave N, FargoThis event is an open house style maker’s session. Participants will receive an 11 inch canoe model and access to a supply buffet. Artist Hosts will be available…
It’s that time of year again. Recent grads are unleashed and set out to make their mark on the world. It’s funny how something can be simultaneously liberating and terrifying. If we could spread any pearls of wisdom to these…
Guns, Lockdowns, and Panic ButtonsThe girl is now a seventh grader at Sandy Hook Elementary. In 2012 she was the only survivor of her first grade class of 21 in a mass school shooting. Among the first words by this six-year-old to…
To say that this year’s Bartenders Battle was the best display of talent in the six years since its creation would be an understatement and a disservice to not only the bartenders who made it into the competition, but also the…
Quiche is a great addition to any brunch. It’s almost like a wardrobe staple that you can dress up or dress down. I made one for my 90-year-old grandma for mother’s day last weekend. She’s a good critic when I try out a new…
There is a golden oldie by Peter Allen called “Everything Old is New Again”, and that is certainly true about vinyl records. It is no secret that vinyl records are no longer just your parents’ musical format. Their…
Impossibly beautiful lead performers underline the YA fantasy aspects of Ry Russo-Young’s translation of “The Sun Is Also a Star,” based on Nicola Yoon’s bestseller. Russo-Young’s sharp handling of the 2017 adaptation of…
The Plains Art Museum is ready to take you back in time – or forward, if you prefer – for their 23rd annual Spring Gala. The theme for this year’s event, which takes place on Friday, May 3, is Time Machine.The Spring Gala is…
Countless examples can be found throughout the history of great art that was only recognized as such after the life of the artist that created it. Such is true of Georges Bizet’s opera "Carmen." While its reception during his…
Stand-up comedy is traditionally a one-way exchange. Outside of the odd question addressed to a random audience member, the limit of the spectators’ contribution to the conversation is their laughter at the comedy stylings being…
By Gabrielle Herschgabbyhersch@gmail.comThink & Drink is coming to Fargo! Organized by Humanities North Dakota, Think & Drink is a happy hour series that hosts a facilitated public conversation about big issues and ideas. Lead by a…
I’m a big man, I’m tall and powerful, but this also causes some issues in the body department. I suffer from acute scoliosis in my lower back, and pain radiates from this area on a daily basis. I have only ever had one massage…
by HPR Contributor
by Devin Joubertdevinlillianjoubert@gmail.comIt’s that beautiful time of the year that’s filled with seasonal decorations, sparkly lights, warm family gatherings, and delicious feasts. I love everything about this time of the…
By Gary Olsonolsong@moravian.eduIn 2017, Sociology Professor Rachel Sherman wrote “Uneasy Street: The Anxiety of Affluence,” a book which drew from 50 in-depth interviews with uber-wealthy New Yorkers in order to obtain a…