Monday, November 28, 2005

Last Friday

I've always lived here on the farm. Part of my years were spent up the lane at the smaller house and the rest here at the home place.
When Mom and Dad invited everyone here for Thanksgiving and other holidays, my siblings and their children would come. At least the ones who could make it. The group usually ended up at about 40 people.
A niece and nephew, who used to come and spend the day on the farm back in those days, are no longer with us.
Both have been killed in car wrecks. The passing of my niece was oh so sad in that she was home on Christmas break from her first year at college. She didn't get to experience what those of us who have grown old, have gotten to taste of. She would have made a great Citizen, Wife, and Mother and Grandmother and the list is endless.
The other, who is no longer with us is Marty's brother Steve. Most of you know how recent that was.
We met at Marty's parents in town on Thursday and came out to the farm on Friday. It seemed surreal. The activities were the same as the old days but the kids from way back when,, brought their own kids. Steve's kids were here along with their Mother.
Marty's family and his Sister and family were here. Our good friends from Colorado were here.
I guess there is no organized group of thoughts here. Just some points. My parents, aunts, uncles, a niece, a nephew, all exited this world, and yet we go on. We must.
Can we be Thankful! YES. Even though Steve couldn't be here on the farm, he sent a couple of replacements. The next generation. Excellent young adults who have been so positively influenced by Mom and Dad, that I have no doubt as to their successful outcome. Steve was so young to have made such a huge mark on life. His accomplishments were far reaching and so very worthy of note. His greatest achievement however, came to the farm Friday along with their Mother. I look at my children and all of my nieces and nephews, and their children, and the farmer in me can say without reservation, "it looks like a bumper crop on the way".
I gain a great deal of pleasure and sense of calm knowing things will continue 'on course' well into the future, with or without me.

11 comments:

Rachel said...

How right you are. It's so nice when all of the family can get together. I don't think folks do it near enough. The values that each generation passes on down will carry on. Even with losses there is still much to be thankful for.

Wonderful, warm post Cliff.

JUST A MOM said...

Very nice post Cliff! Thank you for sharing. Gives us something to think about. Maybe frozen burgers was not the best choice.

Jamie Dawn said...

Our kids are our treasures. There just isn't anything in this world that is worth more. Nuturing them and providing them with a good example is the best gift we can give them. The loss of your niece and nephew at such young ages is heartbreaking. We have had similar losses in our family. I can't make sense of things like that. I can remember my loved ones who died way too young, and I am honored to have known them. You are honoring your loved ones too. Life is fragile and uncertain, but love lasts and lasts.

Peter said...

Hi Cliff, a joy to read of your family thanksgiving.
My maternal grandmother, (who raised 10 children) used to say 10 kids and their families and not a dud among 'em.

Paul Nichols said...

Just stopped by to make sure you had a good holiday. We did.

Nice post.

Ralph said...

Excellent post Cliff. Farmers look for a bumper crop, foresters plant trees for the next generation. No matter how you look at it most, if not all, we do is truly for the next generation.
Ralph

Anonymous said...

Another great post, Cliff. The holidays really bring out the writer in you. It's great that you can put it all in perspective and enjoy your family to the fullest when you're together. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.
Jerry

Anonymous said...

Thank you, Cliff---That was so beautiful---the kind of person you are---What a nice gathering here on Thanksgiving Day--and at your home on Friday--The children had so much fun---as Andrew said--"I met some of my life's goals!"--and his life still lies before him at the tender age of 11---Fran and I love you and thank you for being here---R

EV said...

Wow! Great post Cliff, I grieve over the fact that children seem to not be valued in our society. But, I rejoice in the fact that you proclaimed that we ALWAYS have blessing to be grateful for - we are told to rejoice and praise in all things. I believe that, too. WE don't have the big picture, but one day we will.

Sometimes I need to think of myself in terms of the toddler doing the rubber legs routine in the grocery store - he thinks he knows it all, too. ;0) ... an excellent post, my friend!

Cheyenne said...

Reminds me of the time we had a get-together for my Dad's 80th birthday and he sat there in awe and said "To think I created all this."

Gel said...

Beautiful, but I sure wish you'd stop talking like you're about to kick off. It worries me (and yes I read your past history but I thougth you are ok now ???????????????)Or is it merely the realization that everyone is mortal, no matter WHAT age?