Wish I could say the above words are my writings but rather I borrowed them from here because it best summarizes this a little something I'm about to share with you all.
My farmer friend calls this cow an "African Attusa" not sure on the spelling and I was unable to locate anything on the www. This is his pride and joy but will be leaving his farm this week because he cannot afford to keep. He says they are sacred in Africa.
It all started in the summer of 08'. A predator killed one of our ducks and I stopped by his house to see if he had a duck to sell as a companion for the sole duck I had left.
I never ended up getting a duck there but we ran into one another a few times in between. In the summer of 09' he studded out his boar so we could breed our sows. We did not get many piglets in was a great experience.
He stopped by frequently checking on their progress during and after their pregnancies and we visited frequently with questions and concerns seeing how this was our first time.
Then this last December, as posted here I started making and delivering food to them on a weekly basis. Each time I went over we chatted farming and a lot about his medical issues.
LONG story short those weekly visits turned into bi-weekly, every other day and currently twice daily. I have now committed to taking him to his appointments as he really needs someone there to communicate his needs and advocate for what is right. After his last round of chemotherapy he became very ill and was admitted to critical care.He was discharged this past Saturday and I brought him home. We surprised his wife, it was awesome! I was privileged to witness them reunite. Every day he reminds of how grateful he is for the simple things: cooking his wife breakfast, watching the news with her,and just being able to sit around and chat with her.
We just returned from a doctors appointment and he has another in the morning followed by another and another and another. Regardless I'm in it for the long haul. Just thankful to have this old man in my life! My grandfather passed a few years back and this man fills that void in my life. I am also thankful for Maine Man who steps in when I'm at work. Lastly, I am thankful that my children have been a part of this evolving relationship.
P.S. All these pictures were taken at his farm.
16 comments:
You are both truly blessed to be in one anothers life. What a great reflection on how the simple things matter most.
Thanks for sharing. Sometimes it is the unexpected relationships we build in life that matter the most...on many different levels. How wonderful that you found each other.
Judy
How loving of you to share your time, money, and heart with a neighbor and on the bonus what a wonderful way of teaching your children the importance of love and caring for others and their needs.
Lovely pictures!
Amy
I think it is an African Watusi. What a wonderful neighbor...you and he.
you truly are amazing my friend. I fee the love in your heart for him in your words.
That's beautiful, Kim. We don't treasure our elders enough in this country. :)
What a lovely story, and great pics, too.
You are a kind and loving person and you are so lucky to have found each other. I'm wishing him a speedy return to health and many happy years with his beloved wife.
are y'all helping tend to the farm too? I really want to be a better friend, and I keep making excuses, too busy, etc. I keep reminding myself of this but... I believe we're here to all help each other out. Sure hope his health improves.
Amen on this post, Kim. Beautiful story! We had such a man in our lives many years ago, and it was such a blessing to all of us, our children included.
an older lady from my church moved an hour away when her husband was receiving cancer treatments, into a retirement housing closer to her children. I started writing her notes and it was a wonderful relationship for many years. Her husband passed away and I knew we entertained each other. She read the local paper and would comment on our teams ballgames and I would keep her up on who was going where and doing what in town, that I knew of. She passed away last summer and I am still looking for a new 'pen pal'. Time like you are having is so special and it's great for both of you.
Kim, I love this post - your are a special lady! What a wonderful lesson for your kids.
Sounds like a wonderful relationship...for everyone involved!
Come visit me. :)
Caring and sharing makes you feel so good. I think you get as much back as you give. No matter if it is human or animal. It feels good. Thank you.
Kelly
This was such an uplifting post! I love reading about a special friendship like yours that has blossomed. Wonderful memories you have created that will always be with you to cherish..thanks so much for sharing this story!
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