A whole row of them. The number as high as 18. Calves. It's that time. They're not in their pens yet. We still need to build them. There's so much to be done. Each calf needs a bottle. 18 of them. 2 bottles a piece. We love to have helpers on the farm. We've had a lot of them lately. We're so short on help. So, I pitch in. (Sometimes I think they wish I would stay home. I can be a little needy.) It was hot and I was sweaty. The flies hovering and biting my ankles. That's the day I choose to feed calves. But it was beautiful too. That farm boy came out to ... View Post
Alone
Alone. That's how I find myself this week. Plans to spend time with the youngest. Changed. And now. Alone. At first. I do not know how to react. Alone. In a room. A clean room. 2 beds. Meals prepared. Solid biblical preaching. All alone. My own schedule. Clean towels everyday. Coffee. Everywhere. In the room. In the lobby. In the dining hall. Alone. I don't do alone. I find someone to accompany me to the store. I fight off the panic that ... View Post
Celebrating The Farm Boy!
My farm boy is 16 today. 2 birthdays celebrated without his best friend and brother. A new way of living for him. Pushing, pulling, stretching boundaries. Reaching to find. . . who he is. Life dealing him lemons. His soul learning to make lemonade. His view of life; so different from mine. Lessons learned at every turn. His path bumpy at times. Yet so willing to adapt to the conditions. This is my boy. Honored at school with an award and a gift. Given for "his love of life." His quest to press on. He may ... View Post
Laughing In The Graveyard
The boy leaves me undone. Most days are difficult. Each word is poison and I can't begin to help him. He's lost a brother. Dealt with his beloved father being so sick and he's 14. I would come unglued. He's still fragile in the faith. And he's lashing out. But sometimes there are glimpses of what is to come. The veil pulled back and the blue eyes shine. There is humor and there is a sensitivity, so like his fathers. But this growing and stretching is hard on me. So when there is a calm. I embrace it. When ... View Post