By Ciarra Beckstrand
Empowered by Ladyboss Lifestyle
In a world of textbooks and lectures, Mary Anderson found life’s best lessons in watching others. Growing up with 13 siblings on a small farm near Powers Lake, ND, she was deeply influenced by her mother, Catherine. Her mother’s life showed perseverance, sacrifice, and endless love. Now, as Mary works on producing a documentary, she wants to share her mother’s legacy with the world.
By day, Mary is the executive director at ABLE, Inc. in Dickinson, ND, a role she has held for 22 years. But what many don’t know is that, in her spare time, she’s an aspiring singer, songwriter, playwright, and author. A poignant part of her story is her work on Cowboys & Butterfly Kisses, a documentary that follows her ranching family’s triumph over tragedy through love, loss, organ donation, and a legacy of perseverance left by her mother.
“This documentary isn’t just about honoring our mother’s memory,” Mary reflected. “It’s about using those hard-won lessons. They can turn challenges into triumphs and can inspire others to do the same.”
The Healing Power of Storytelling and Music
Mary’s childhood held typical sibling dynamics and extraordinary responsibilities. By the age of nine, she was out helping with cattle work and assisting in the ranch’s artificial insemination processes.
“Our farm required a massive workforce,” Mary said. “With so many siblings, we filled that workforce, and all had a part to play in order to keep things running.”
Several siblings found their passion in ranching and went on to establish their own ranching operations in the Powers Lake and Palmyra, Missouri areas. However, farm life had its share of tragedies for the Anderson family. Of the original 14 siblings, 12 are still alive. One brother died in infancy, and another, Jeff, passed away in a farming accident in 1974.
“That loss was devastating,” Mary said. “But it brought us closer. We learned not to take each other for granted. Our mother’s resilience and courage to keep going is what held us together.”
More heartbreak followed. In 2006, Mary’s 22-monthold nephew, Tucker, died after battling two forms of Histiocytosis, despite two bone marrow transplants. In 2011, her 16-year-old nephew, Chase, died from complications with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. He left his legacy through organ donation. In 2014, her brother Keith battled idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, requiring a double lung transplant.
These experiences shaped Mary’s perspective on life and her work. She knew these stories were important and would resonate with others who had faced similar struggles.
In times of tragedy, Mary found solace in horseback riding and music. She used songwriting to process her grief.
“Writing songs helped me articulate my pain,” she said. “It was therapeutic.” Five of her original songs are now featured in the documentary, offering a way for others to connect with the themes of love and loss.
The Birth of a Documentary
As Keith awaited his lung transplant, the seeds of the documentary began to take root. Lyrics from one of Mary’s songs, of which only she knew – “Only you know who I am, where I am going, and where I’ve been” – played in her mind. A series of divine coincidences convinced Mary to move forward with the project. First, she heard those same words from her lyrics spoken in a wedding ceremony. Then, around that same time, her father’s 94-year-old classmate persistently urged the family to share Catherine’s legacy of pushing on even when the going’s tough; stating to them that she “instilled hope.”
Creating the documentary has been an emotional journey for the entire family.
“Stories and shared experiences connect us and allow healing to take place,” Mary said. “Interviewing my family has brought us closer, and our family’s legacy of perseverance will inspire others.”
To bring the project to life, Mary teamed up with Gina Footh of Lostwood Media in Stanley, ND. However, they faced challenges, including a lack of grant funding. Still, determined to share these important stories, they pressed on.
After compiling and editing hours of footage, the documentary is finally taking shape.
“It’s been tough balancing a full-time job with this project,” Mary admitted. “But it’s worth it. Every step is a testament to our commitment to see this project through.”
The Power of Partnerships
Cowboys & Butterfly Kisses features contributions from talented North Dakota artists, including Dr. Anthony Rohr, Nicole Jorgenson-Biwer, Kayo Grubb, Breanna Wheeler, and Gina Footh. Each artist added their unique voice to Mary’s songs, helping to bring the documentary to life. Looking ahead, Mary is excited about what’s to come.
“I’ve been lucky to work with some incredibly talented people,” she said. “But I know there’s more we can do with the right partners. I’m looking forward to telling more impactful stories and creating meaningful work through my creative pursuits.”
The Cowboys & Butterfly Kisses family premiere is set for March of 2025, with community premieres and streaming to follow in April.
Mary’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and unwavering belief in the power of family and faith. Her work and creativity inspire others. It shows that, even in tragedy, we can find strength, hope, and a way to push forward.
Want to know when and where Cowboys & Butterfly Kisses will premiere? Visit:
Lostwood Media
dakotahomecare.com
Facebook | dakotahomecare.com
Instagram | @lostwoodmedia