I've always been fascinated with farms. I suppose it's because my grandfather was a farmer, and I loved following him around - doing whatever he asked. Farming, to me - was, and still is - magical.

I remember a vacation we took when I was maybe 12 to my grandfather's farm in Missouri. Sometime after our arrival, my parents wanted to go to Hannibal to visit my aunt and uncle. They gave me the choice: stay on with grandpa to work the farm - or go to Hannibal to see the sights and enjoy the great river town with my cousins (I loved being with them, too - tough choice). My choice? Work the farm, of course. To me, my grandfather was a god - and watching him milk cows by hand, feed them, care for them, plow the fields, harvest corn - whatever -- it was all fine by me. I did whatever he told me to do. I don't remember ever thinking I HAD to do anything - I just wanted to do it - be a farm hand. I don't think I ever dreamed when I went to bed after a long day -- I was worn out. Those times - I'll never forget. I believe they made me a better person. I know my grandfather made me a better person - I'll always remember what he told me -- "just be yourself" -- that's it. Simple. I miss him.

Listening to: I say a little prayer - Aretha Franklin

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