Homework

Hello all,

After meeting with Rev. Waller last week, I was given a homework assignment to write down my feelings. Since this is my way to talk to you, I have chosen this as my forum. Here I go.

Fall is my favorite time of year on the farm. I loved to see the corn turn from lush green to gold. When that happened it meant Dad was going to be home soon. I knew when the equipment was at our house Dad and Cliff would be working at our house for at least a week. It was my opportunity to ride with dad as he brought the corn and soybeans in from the field.

Every afternoon as the school bus would crest the hill before our house I would scan the hillside to see the John Deere combine crawling across the fields. If I was lucky, I would see that wonderful sight. I would get inside and change clothes as fast as I could and head out to find Dad. I know it sounds weird, but riding on a fender of a 706 or 766 international was a lot of fun. It was time with my Dad and I loved it.

As I grew older, I was able to help Dad in the field by helping hold the wagon tongue and accelerate the process of bringing the wagons in to be emptied. I know I didn't speed the process up a lot, but I did help.

My favorite time of harvest is the last load. The sound of the combine shutting down meant that it was over. The sprint was almost done. All that was left to do was bring the last few wagons in from the field and emptied. If it was a good year, smiles and laughs were shared by everyone at the auger. Dad would look at the grain bins and know that it was worth it for another year. Another good crop meant that the farm would continue. If the family was lucky we would go to Glenwood to eat at Pizza Hut.

The year was not done though. There was still terraces to be plowed and fields to be chisel disk'd before winter set in. But for one night under the glow of the Pizza Hut sign, we could all rest and enjoy time as a family. Like any runner after a long race, Dad enjoyed just being able to sit down and rest and reflect on the year. I didn't realize it at that time, but those outings with my family were some of my favorite memories from my childhood.

I love you Dad.

-Andy