The journey back home has been bitter sweet. We left our farm in Surprise for the trip back to Mike's homeplace in Wisconsin. Three kids and a weeks worth of luggage including play clothes and nice clothes packed into the minivan and off we went.
This journey would bring us through flooded fields and dry fields as we traveld from Nebraska through Iowa and Minnesota. As we got closer to Wisconsin I could feel the nervousness of Mike.
See his Dad, Rod has cancer. A strong farmer who for so many years has been not only the piller of this family but one who is on top of the latest information in no-till farming and the need for rotational grazing.
In the two months since I have seen Rod, this strong body has been taken over with the side effects of chemo and the need to sleep a lot. Its hard to explain to our three year old Paul that Grandpa can't go on walks to show him the corn growing or to explain to our 8 year old that this certain weed, if left untreated, will take over the field.
Many years ago this family farm was the highlight of research for the University of Wisconsin in growing alfalfa in corn. I remember just joining this family as I dated Mike and seeing so many people get on wagons and tour the farm.
Today, a Monday, I saw the gleam in his eye as he talked about his fields and this years crops. But that gleam was bigger as his three grandkids want to show him 4-H projects or just curl up on the bed moved into the living room for his convience.
We are here for a week to help with stuff around the farm. Yes I do miss being on the air this week, but I am enjoying spending some much needed time with my in-laws and helping to build on some memories I can help my kids recall as they get older.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
i'm so missing you!!!
Susan- so glad that you all had this opportunity to go "home" and spend this time that you will always treasure! Know that even tho he tires easily, Rod's heart is just bursting at having those kids there! It's never easy to explain this situation to one's so young- heck, it's tough on us big one's to see the change from big, strong "dad" to someone who seems frail...my heart is with you all!!! Have a safe trip home! Have missed hearing your voice this week- even tho i don't get to see you often, i always feel close to you when I get my daily dose of market reports (altho this city girl doesn't understand a lick of it- i still listen just to hear you!) Hugs and pprayers to the whole family! Love ya' Susan! Stacey
Post a Comment