For the last 10 years of our farming career, it’s basically been Louis and me. We have some part-time help that helps with milking, but for the daily chores, it’s been just the two of us. Our son, Garen, has been helping out more and more each year and, of late, taking over some of my chores when he’s home from school.
Today, I realized for the first time this was actually happening. I mean, I saw it and knew it, but today, it actually sunk in. Excuse me while I wipe tears away. Not really sad tears, more tears of joy. How did we get here so quick? I knew — well, I’d hoped — it would be one day that Garen would want to help out. He has been helping Louis bring feed up from a lower bag, something I had not done yet.
Garen had another commitment today, so I offered to help with the feed hauling. I climbed up in the tractor and took the buddy seat so Garen could show me what to do. And it hit me like a ton of bricks, all the times Garen sat in the buddy seat, watching and learning; now, I was the one watching and learning.
I was also reminded of my “why” today. Watching Garen step in and work alongside Louis and me is truly heartwarming and beyond any of my expectations. He’s only 14, so we’ve got some time yet, but watching him grow and learn and the spark the farm lights in him is truly amazing.
So, I’m going to take this one little moment and hold on to it for a bit. Cherish it. Because everyone was right — it goes so quick. But it’s also an amazing experience to watch the love of farming grow in such a unique way.
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