On a beautiful September night, my husband Doug and I traveled 5 miles from Lake Carlos State Park in Alexandria MN where we were camped, to visit Ali Husfeldt and husband Jeremy. Ali and Jeremy and family have spent the past 7 years in Alexandria, MN where Ali practices for Sanford Health. Ali, Jeremy and their two kids, Madalyn and Jackson, live about 10 miles from Alexandria on a beautiful, rural property. They have deer, turkey, and a variety of birds including geese and ducks frequently using their backyard and pond as home and providing year round free entertainment. Their daughter, Maddie, is now in high school and busy in all kinds of extracurricular activities, including tennis, student council, and DECA (just advanced to International competition this spring!) She is soon to get her driver’s license which will help the family cope with the demands of busy schedules. As of now she wants to be a neonatal nurse! Jack has energy that makes the rest of us tired just watching him! He loves all things sports and fishing and is very competitive. Last year his travel basketball team won the grade state tournament and had the chance to play at Target Center on the Timberwolves court. His favorite sport is baseball, he plays short stop and pitches. His dream come true would be playing in the MLB! Or being a professional fisherman! He has a knowledge for fishing that impresses even the fishing guides! He still enjoys sharing his feats and baseball stories with Dr. Merfeld. Jeremy works as a school psychologist for the Alexandria area schools, which anyone would understand has been a crazy job during the pandemic. Ali and Jeremy are close to their families and love the outdoors lifestyle they have developed in Western Minnesota. Jeremy was planning a duck hunting weekend when we visited.
Ali and her class of residents have stayed quite close and have continued to get together on occasion at various destinations. . .quite a feat considering there are now 20 children among all 6 resident families to bring along to their reunions. The next reunion is in Chippewa Falls, WI. Last years was in South Bend, IN. Ali just celebrated 9 years cancer free and gives thanks to God for every day she has, as each is a true blessing.