This time of year can be hectic for a couple days and then at a standstill the next in a farmer’s life. These are the days when his child may not see him but for a few minutes while he snarfs down his supper or comes by the house for a quick drink of water.
Earlier this week, my husband was harvesting soybeans from the cab of a Case IH combine and now as I write this he is in a White tractor.
The rain played havoc with his schedule the past week, so he is trying to play catch-up. He was in pretty good spirits until Wednesday. But between more rain, an alternator going out, and a few other things, you can probably understand his mood change. Milton doesn’t get too worked up about things and he’s not the grumpy type. But Wednesday was his day to be that way.
I find it ironic that Wednesday was THANK A FARMER DAY and he was in the mood that he was. This day held setbacks verses gifts of appreciation or a quick thank you. I didn’t even know it until I scrolled through my newsfeed. I suppose I failed him as well, not even saying “thank you.” I think all occupations deserve “thank yous” from time to time, not just on a certain day. Better to spread it out than just a one time deal, don’t ya think?
This is where my husband was by 8:00 am Thursday. We are a no-till operation but decided since this field had cheet in it that working it would be less expensive than having it sprayed. We have to watch our pennies pretty closely these days.
At 1:00 pm he exchanged the cultivator for the grain drill. He started sowing wheat and as I write this at 9:30 pm, he is still at it. Depending on how wet the field still is or fuel left, those are the factors that decide what time he will make his way home for a shower and some sleep.
I think instead of thanking my husband for being a farmer I’ll just thank him for loving our family and providing for us. For the hard worker that he is and the patience he has.
Grace is a gift,
Julie
In Between the Sunsets of Life 