The Front Porch

Today, I've sat in a hospital and nursing home. Having no children Uncle Bill (my great uncle) and Aunt Fern let my Dad farm with them. They treated Dad as their son, and me as their grandson. Uncle Bill and I have a special relationship. Uncle Bill lost the love of his life in 1997, when Aunt Fern passed away. Then, in 2003, my Dad died in a farming accident. This week Uncle Bill had some health problems and he's been in the hospital for several days. I left South Carolina yesterday for Richmond, IN. I've sat most of the day hearing about Uncle Bill's good old days. Lord willing, he turns 90 in May. We chatted over how things have changed and discussed some of his last wishes. I remember when Uncle Bill would toss hay bailes around and climb in and out of tractors. Today, he needs help getting situated in bed. Earlier today, I stopped by the nursing home to see Grandpa Feller. He told me how his beans weren't any bigger than 3 inches, and how the combine needs to be fixed. Neither is true, Grandpa has dimensia. I discussed the issues with him anyway. I was surprised Grandpa recognized me. At one point we held hands, he was for a moment in his right mind. All he could do was wipe tears from his eyes. My mind flashed back of delivering Duroc boars with Grandpa to Ohio and going to State Fairs. I remembered showing pigs for over 12 years, and his interest in seeing me do well. Life's cycle often seems harsh. My Grandpa Buck and Father died six months apart, both in 2003. I wonder if 2006 will bring the end to the adult men in my life. In March, my son was born. Much will happen before he turns 90. However, for the next few years, I have the responsibility to be sure that the beginning--the foundation--is right. For this reason, I will stay politically involved, I will embrase every education opportunity, I will grow in my knowledge of Christ, and cherish our time with family.