Friday, January 19, 2024

"Just a Farm Kid"


 
Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 19: Today, I am grateful for growing up "just a farm kid." 

My little brother, Matthew, sent me this great article. It is a beautiful tribute to what it means to grow up a farm kid. 

There were no summers at the pool. We tanned walking beans, mowing huge lawns, and watering gardens. 

We learned early that life isn't always fair. In fact, it seldom was. Most of our pets did not live long lives. They lived well, ate well, but farm equipment, trucks, and tractors proved dangerous for many. Kittens and dogs made some poor choices that shortened their lives. 

The circle of life was real. The cows and chickens were not pets. They had a purpose. 

The author of this article talks about the beautiful sunsets farm kids see all the time. We took them for granted. We loved to watch the stars, laying on our backs and listening to the crickets. Nature's canvas and symphonies were our everyday experiences.

We could tell school would soon be back in session by the scent of the corn.  I still recognize the smell. 

We didn't have much stuff. I guess we didn't need it. Our hobbies were practical like sewing, cooking, and baking. 

Mama taught music lessons after school. April and I learned to cook real meals so supper would be ready when Dad walked in the door. Yes.. supper. On the farm it was breakfast, dinner, and supper. 

As a child, I did not realize the value of being expected to contribute, or the skills we learned along the way. We had know idea how precious those days were until they were gone. 

Today, I am grateful for growing up "just a farm kid." 

No comments:

Post a Comment