There was a speech I wanted to make, but I didn't. It was sitting inside me. I knew what I wanted to say to the people around me last night, but didn't know how to articulate it. Plus, circumstances which I will touch on in a moment, changed the nature of how I wanted to give my message. So let me try here to cleanse myself of this message here.
The people who came last night, and many that didn't, are supporters of the farm. From our farming neighbours who have shared their wealth of knowledge, to the people who battled with building the poly tunnel in a hurricane, the people who helped us untangle the mess & rebuild the collapsed fruit cage, the people who volunteer to help us weed, pick and plant, and the people who buy produce or invest in livestock. If you fall into any of those categories, then you are part of our farm family.
The plot of land here has built both a working farm and an extended family over the last 12 months. People that come here, fall in love with the beauty of the land and begin to feel invested in the farm. Fortunately, we love to share the farm with our friends and community, and so relationships evolve. Without you all, this life choice would have been dull, unenjoyable and unachievable. Ian and I want to thank you for your investments of time, thoughts, emotions and money.
Part of our farm family were unable to join us last night. The Sullivan family. Juliet is woven deep into our farm tapestry. She is our long suffering Realtor, she thought of the name for the farm, she lifts every social event and she purchases produce from our farm weekly. Juliet and her family are great supporters and advocates of the farm. On Saturday morning, Juliets' Father-in-Law, Bill Sullivan, passed away.
We've seen a few of our friends experience loss during 2014. Shenade Ingram lost her Father this year. The Ingrams have supported us in practical ways....they're always here when we need them the most and we are forever in their debt for their contribution. Ian's work colleague Jason Gallant lost his Father-in-Law recently too. Jason and his wife Kerry were here at the housewarming party and have purchased produce.
Our thoughts go out to these families. We have some empathy as we have experienced grief ourselves. Both of my parents have passed away and Bill's passing gave us another chance to reflect on what they would have thought of our farming venture. My Dad was from 'farming stock' and would love the idea of me returning to my roots. Not that he or I ever farmed before but he would have waxed lyrical about how it was in my blood. My Mum, who died 2 years ago, always said Ian and I should pursue some sort of venture together. She always talked about something in hospitality; a B&B, hotel or pub. Well a farm perhaps wasn't what she had in mind, but it certainly offers us hospitality opportunities thanks to the very active social scene here. I am certain that she would have loved this and often think about her sitting in the Tiki hut, drinking wine and shouting orders at us.
So I'd like to invite you to join me in raising a virtual toast to Bill. For those of you reading this who knew Bill, a moment to reflect on his life and know that you are part of our farm family and we are with you. We'll toast Bill but we also think about the other members of our ever growing farm family who have lost loved ones. We'll acknowledge celebrations and opportunities. Let's give a nod to the cycles of fun, grief, happiness and sadness that ebb and flow. We raise our glasses to celebrate people lost to us and adventures that are just beginning. Cheers!
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| To Bill Sullivan |
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