Everyone is important. When the clocks changed back an hour to standard time, the farmers were the first to be reminded by their animals that they were an hour late bringing feed, starting the milking and all other farm chores that are always done on time. Even the faithful dog that goes to the barn every morning was worried that you might have died because you were late. In a dairy barn, if the farmer is only a few minutes late . . .
a lot of the cows will be standing bawling at the entrance to the milking parlour, chastising the farmer for making them wait with udders full and dripping milk because someone slept in.
When the wedding day arrives, everyone who is invited is expected to show up, especially the bride and groom. When a lady is due to have her child, the husband better be there for support and provide transportation pretty damn quick (PDQ). The hospital staff of doctors and nurses are also expected to be there when the soon to be mom arrives. Once mom and baby get home, every time the baby cries mom is expected to be there.
Later when children start school, they are expected to be ready when the school bus arrives. When the buzzer rings at school, children are expected to get to their seats in class quickly. When the children get home from school, once again, mom is expected to have supper ready when the family gets there.
If a farmer is late for a meal the family knows that there has been a problem that required immediate attention because a farmer seldom misses a meal.
When an animal needs medical attention and the vet is called everyone at that farm is uneasy until the vet arrives. Most farmers with animals have become excellent first responders and when the vet is called there is a problem beyond the farmer’s capability.
ALL essential services are required to be there or make sure that someone else competent is there. This means that many of these essential workers work extended or double time.
We learn that the most important things in life are not things but happy memories, being remembered by family and friends and always being grateful for today and able to look forward to tomorrow.
This year has been and surely will be different. Weddings and all celebrations may be postponed or at best continue at a greatly reduced event. When a best friend is sick or dies, many grieve alone, without the support of friends and even family. A phone call, letter, or even a short text may be the most support that we can give. A happy birthday or Merry Christmas phone call or face time greeting will be treasured and have to replace hugs and parties. It is still just as important to be there in any form of greeting if not in person.
In this year alone, there have been several serious accidents in our county on our highways that were caused by distracted drivers. Slower moving snow plows and large modern farm tractors that are lit up with lights like a Christmas tree have been struck from behind. These snow plows and huge tractors can weigh up to 10 tonnes. Needless to say, a car or truck that only weighs one tonne won’t fair out well when it hits this huge heavy vehicle. The most important gift that we can give our family and friends is to be there either in person or at least by phone or FaceTime.
An old friend of mine once said, “Enjoy the ride, it can be just as much fun as the destination.”
This year many of our family and friends will no longer be there to hug, see or even hear. Learn to be patient or even a little late, but be there.
Chris Judd is a farmer in Clarendon on land that has been in his family for generations.
gladcrest@gmail.com
