RicelandMeadows

                                                                 May 8, 2011

     Today is a day we set aside for mothers.I would like to say Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there, as well as the grandmothers, aunts and any matronly figure who takes the time to love us.

     My mother has passed from this life to a life without pain. I am sure she waits there to welcome us when we make the journey to the other side. I miss her everyday and yet through the blessings of my farm, I am reminded of her daily.

     When I grab a piglet up to look him over or check him out, his mother lets me know that she is watching me and I had better not hurt her little one. A hen will scratch the ground looking for a tasty morsel. She clucks loudly when she finds a meal. Her chicks run to her and eat what she has so selfishly given them. She opens her wings to warm and comfort them at the first sign of distress. She scolds them harshly when they get too close to danger, like the edge of the pond.

     Our cows give their calves tongue baths which are akin to a spit bath, where mom wiipes the Kool-Aid from your lip. All of our farm’s mothers are very protective of their babies. This fact was driven home to me last Monday morning.

     I awoke and looked out the window towards the sheep pasture, surveying the landscape with my binoculars, checking the ewes. My heart almost melted at what I saw.  Several ewes stood like statues in the cold, pouring down rain. They stood exactly over their sleeping lambs, sheltering them as best they could, from the rain.

     I wear clean underware when I leave the house. I wash behind my ears. I eat my vegetables and drink my milk. I am a protective daddy for my children. I bully no one and will not be bullied by anyone. All these traits I owe to my mother’s love. I will share many happy thoughts today and even raise my coffee cup in a silent toast. I will not succumb to a teary eyed, ugly face because .. I sure don’t want it to freeze like that!

     I love you mom.