Surprises and a Farm Story

 

It started with an ad for Farm Implements. We needed some, the ad said they had some – and so we made an appointment to go check them out. The original owner didn’t happen to be there, but he had a neighbor let us in to see them.

You see, when you have a tractor, you start to think that you are a farmer, or maybe a cowboy, and then you start to think of all the fun things you can do with the extra attachments. And when you are the wife, you really start to think of all the things the husband can do…. You know – plow the garden, mow the fence-lines, rake the arena, dig some postholes…..

The gentleman who was showing us the tools started talking, and I started asking more questions about him. It was really fun to hear his stories. And then he said – I am a Vietnam Vet. That just perked my ears right up. So we started talking about Vietnam (the country), and Vietnam (the war). He told us how things had changed for him. What is was like to leave America at that time, and what it was like to come back to America at that time. He didn’t have a lot of anger in him, but you could still hear the hurt and the surprise that our own would treat him not so kindly.

After all – he was drafted by the country he loved, and he served the country he loved. 

As we went home to deliberate the purchase of some of these implements, I had a nagging feeling that he would be willing to accept a Quilt from us – a Quilt of Valor, a special hug that lets one know that they are appreciated, that we do recognize your service – and even better – says Welcome Home Son, Job Well Done.

I was in the middle of finishing up a Quilt, so I put the binding on it, washed it, labeled it and of course, made a pillowcase for it. Quilts in Pillowcases always make me happy. It’s like a little gift all wrapped up in some really cool fabric!

As we drove back the next day to get the items we wanted, he helped us load, and of course, I got to talking with him. He told me even more stories, and what a great story teller he was. I then said – Well Sir – I brought you something. I pulled that Quilt out of its pillowcase and told him the story of it. And of course, let him know that this particular quilt was for him. It was my little way of saying Welcome Home.

You know it was only 100 degrees outside, but I’ll be, he was so ready and willing to have that Quilt wrapped around him – and then he stood there – and told me another story. All the while he had a little precipitation coming down from his eyes.

Best Farm Deal I have ever made.