My farmer rises before dawn each day.
Looking up
Every day.
7 days a week.
365 days a year.
In his 37 years of running this place he’s had limited time off.
A year or two of full time support has allowed him a vacation off the farm or a morning to sleep in.
Recently family and friends have moved heaven and earth to help him get to Haiti to serve others.
He rarely complains.
(that’s why I am here)
Being a dad and a farmer is hard work.
The balance between the race of children growing and the needs on the farm can be great.
Yet my farmer has worked to attend field hockey games, lacrosse games, concerts, recitals, church activities, etc.
A litany of events when sleep is really what is needed.
He perseveres through each trial.
Grit, determination and much Grace guide him each day.
His road ….including a house fire, divorce, miscarriages, the death of a son and cancer.
He still marches on.
Each day.
His faith his compass.
Work his guide.
It’s not easy being a dad when you’re a farmer.
Somehow he weaves the lessons of life into the fabric of the daily routine.
A man of few words.
Yet so loved and adored.
Today, on the farm, we’re celebrating.
(Really. So much.)
