L is for Love

Here's my love story...

I grew up on a chicken and dairy farm with my parents and brother and sister. As a teen I remember saying, “I’ll never marry a farmer. Farmers work long hours, and rarely get a day off.” Well, as the saying goes, “never say never.” Farmer John and I were married 35 years ago. Soon after, John and I were blessed with Sara and Michael, undoubtedly the best kids ever.

I think it was John’s dedication and commitment to farming that brought us together. Yes, we do work long hours and rarely get a day off, but that’s o.k. with us. We love the life we have chosen.  I love that we spend much of our day together, as a family, caring for our cows and growing their food. I love watching John’s excitement grow as we near spring planting season, and I love seeing the satisfaction that harvest brings. I love that we frequently get to experience the miraculous birth of a calf.

Like every career choice, farming also has it’s hard times too. We have gone through many summer months when we wonder if the weather will cooperate so we can grow enough crops to feed our livestock. We get concerned when more and more of the land we rent cannot be farmed because it is sold to a housing developer. We shed tears when the cow we just helped through birthing a calf passes away. That’s when we have family to lean on- to pray with, talk with, and plan our next step with. 

There is another familiar saying, “If you love your job, you will never work a day of your life.” I believe this is Farmer John’s motto. He loves what he does each day, and although he is one of the hardest working men I know, I can bet he will never call his job work. It’s this attitude and optimism that makes Farmer John and our family so content to do what we do, each and every day.

I’m so thankful my foolish teenage thought of never marrying a farmer was just that…a foolish thought.

It's All About Love

I'm guessing since today is Valentine's Day that you're thinking this is just another reminder to show your sweetie some extra love today. I agree, we probably don't tell those nearest to us how much they touch and enrich our lives, and maybe a day devoted to that is a good gentle reminder. (Farmer John and kids...Love you bunches!) But today I'm reflecting on the love I have witnessed this week.

Thanks to "Farm Life" for the photo.

Our family has been touched by some difficult times lately. As you may know, my mom is now home from her three month "vacation" in the hospital. My mother-in-law, sister-in-law and niece were in a serious car accident this past week. A very close family friend passed away suddenly last week, and our neighbors 2 year old son also passed away. Why am I telling you all of this? Through the grace of God we have been blessed with many close friends. Our friends have comforted us through our family's illnesses, accidents, and deaths. They have been by our side to say an encouraging word, comfort us with their prayers, bring meals or send greetings via phone calls and cards. For all these things, we are grateful.

What's my point? Acknowledge your friendships. Tell them you love and appreciate them. Friendships have helped lighten our load. For this, I am grateful. 

Thank you to all our friends. We love and appreciate you. When times turn difficult for you, you can count on us to be there for you!

Happy Valentine's Day!

from Bremer Farms and Dairy Makes Sense