I ran into a couple at the big-box store recently…they were newly arrived in our community and struggling a wee bit to find something in the store.

Since I was picking up an item in the same aisle, the gentleman asked me for help.

Of which I gladly did.

One thing led to another, (they were very friendly souls); leading them to ask me where I lived —- thinking I must be in a sub-division or in town.

I smiled and told them my husband and I have a farm and we live out a ways from the city proper.

Then the lady shocked me totally by placing her hand on my arm her voice dripping with true sympathy…she patted my arm and expressed something to the effect she was sorry for me in my very narrow existence.

I should not have been shocked.

But I was.

For you see my existence is not narrow, nor is bleak…it’s not void of experiences or adventure or new and unusual things to see and do.

I smiled and wished them well.  Going on down the aisle to finish up my purchases.

Because of each of you, I forget that the common thought people have about farmers is they are either “corporate” or people who are uneducated, uninformed and walk around with a hay stem in their mouth.

But you, each and every one of you understands that this wondrous, joyful life we have here on our farm is anything but bleak or narrow nor is it void of adventure or beauty.

Yes, the work may be hard, but it isn’t boring for us.  Its just part and parcel of who we are and how we live our lives; each day marked upon our hearts.

From my world to your heart,

Linda