WHERE THE CHILD THINGS ARE | DETOUR AHEAD

Detour Ahead

by Kyle Determan

Summer is upon us—or “construction season” to many South Dakotans. Miles and miles of one-lane traffic going 30 under the speed limit, inconveniently delaying the summer fun that awaits.

While we’ve come to expect these detours, and dare I say, plan for them, this year may prove to have more than the average number of orange traffic cones.

Global pandemics and national protests have a way of making us parents think on our feet when it comes to summer activities and outdoor adventures. So, feeling up for a challenge, I decided to up the ante and have knee surgery, rendering me to crutches… with a toddler… during the nicest week of the year.

It’s fine. I’m fine.

But really, the surgery went well. And while my recovery should eventually be a quick and (hopefully) painless one, attempting to explain that to Sloan proved to be a feat all in its own.

Imagine walking on stilts, blindfolded, into a crowd of puppies that have just heard the word “park.”

That’s what it was like being on crutches with a 2-year-old.

Not only does she not understand why she can’t use them or why I can’t pick her up, she also doesn’t get that suplexing Mama was not an option.

Other things that weren’t options? Going on walks, running around the back yard, and literally anything that involved me getting on the ground.

I was left with two options: make my incredibly active and headstrong daughter sit on the couch and watch old Disney movies all day, or re-enroll her in daycare (having taken her out when COVID-19 started).

Neither option seemed like the right one, leaving me feeling guilty and full of self-pity, both of which looked terrible on me.

This unexpected detour led me to put aside the fact that I wanted to cuddle Sloan all day and made me realize that giving her the opportunity to be around other kids her age, play with new-to-her toys, and engage in crafts and learning that I had yet to find on Pinterest was the only option I had.

Trading our planned trip to the zoo for a week of binge-watching Netflix in a cocoon of ice packs and Cheez-Its was less than ideal. With that being said, it gave me the opportunity to appreciate the alternate routes we’re forced to take.

What I want to be doing and what I have the ability to be doing are two different things. And while that’s frustrating and discouraging, it is what it is.

For Sloan it’s been nothing more than a chance to see her friends and have new experiences, and I think understanding that has allowed me to be okay with this sudden change in plans.

As unsettling as the unknown is, looking at it through a child’s eyes is beyond comforting, and quite honestly, enlightening.

Not only do they devote all of their time and energy to the present, but they do so with such uninhibited fascination that it’s seemingly impossible to not feel captivated with what’s in front of you.

Yes, I’m missing my girl on these hot summer days. And listening to kids on their way to the park sends me into a tailspin of mom guilt and longing. But I know that as soon as Reid picks her up from daycare, we can go to the park (crutches in tow). And walking trails, zoos, and our back yard will be there this weekend, or next week, or even next month.

For now, I’ve been given this extra time to work on school, myself, and to plan the best summer I can.

Do you know how amazing it is to read a book with no banging pots or cartoon theme songs in the background?

It’s magical. And even though I love Sloan’s kitchen concerts and have come to think of Spirit the horse as my own, I’m enjoying this time, as unexpected as it may be.

Whether it be miles and miles of one-lane construction, or weeks of bed rest and crutches, take the detours for what they are: Extra time to slow down and welcome the moments that we’re in, instead of longing for where we want to be. +

WHAT I’VE LEARNED

1When you’re used to being with your children all day long, it can be hard on both of you to spend time apart. Make the transition easier on both of you by reminding them how much fun daycare can be.

2Quiet time is nice, but can also be deafening. When the stillness gets to be too much, go on a walk, FaceTime a friend, or even listen to a podcast.

3Do not, I repeat DO NOT feel like taking time to heal, whether it be physically or mentally, is the equivalent to being lazy. Healing is caring, and caring is what we want to teach our children to be.

Nancy Tschetter 605 PROFILE

Photo by: Emily Costopoulos

IN 2009, PROCLAIMED “MARSHMALLOWIST” NANCY TSCHETTER CREATED FIRESIDE S’MORES TO EMBRACE HER LOVE OF THE NOSTALGIC FIRELIT SNACK. WITH HER HOMEMADE MARSHMALLOWS AND GRAHAM CRACKERS, SHE SAYS SHE WANTS TO OFFER PEOPLE THE FEELING OF BEING SURROUNDED BY LOVED ONES IN THE OUTDOORS.

WHEN SHE’S NOT CREATING SWEET (CUSTOM) TREATS, TSCHETTER IS A STAY-AT-HOME MOM TO 10-YEAR-OLD LUKE AND 8-YEAR-OLD LILY IN RAPID CITY. TSCHETTER SHARED MORE ABOUT HER LIFE AND BUSINESS WITH 605.

5 Q U ES TI O N S 5 QUESTIONS WITH TSCHETTER WITH TSCHETTER

WHAT PART OF A S'MORE IS THE BEST?

The marshmallow, hands down. Although I can eat graham crackers and chocolate all day, it’s a perfectly roasted, caramelized square of sugary goodness that’s the best part.

WHAT EVENTS CAN FIRESIDE S’MORES BE FOUND AT?

We have done wedding showcases, classy celebrations, pop-up shops, holiday open houses at local boutiques, local craft shows, the South Dakota State Fair, Santa in the Shops at Main Street Square, and many different events in the Hills such as Spin the Beetle Fat Bike Race in Custer. S'mores know no bounds!

WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT YOUR PRODUCTS?

They’re made with love. Seriously. Marshmallows and handcrafted graham crackers are a labor of love. They're sticky, putzy, and time consuming to make. But our small-batch, made-from-scratch marshmallows and graham crackers are part of people making memories around the fire, so we'll keep at it.

HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR TIME DURING THE PANDEMIC?

Last September, my husband was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer. It turned our world upside down. We really focused on spending more time together at home as a family. Those practices were already in place when the pandemic hit. We were already in our own bubble, trying to heal together.

WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO SET UP CAMP IN THE SOUTH DAKOTA SUMMER?

Oh, South Dakota, your list is long. Apart from the many great campgrounds and campsites we're blessed to have, our family enjoys setting up our camper and bringing the boat to Angostura Reservoir. We get some good fishing in (dinner, done!), and the kids get to swim and play at the beach. If it includes campfires and s’mores, count us in.