She commands the combine during harvest, sweeps away the dirt and dust we track in the house, and once successfully delivered quintuplet lambs while my father was away.
Like many mothers, my farm mom does it all. She even manages to balance the roles of wife and mother while brightening smiles five days a week as a dental hygienist.
As my best critic and my strongest supporter, I’ve learned a lot of lessons observing my role model mom over the years. And although I’m not yet a mother, I know her influence will guide me in my next chapters of life.
That’s why on this Mother’s Day I’ve compiled a list of characteristics and philosophies I’ve dubbed the “Farm Mom Code.”
Farm Mom Code
Article 1 – Have Patience
Late nights and long hours working on the farm often delay family meals, alter weekend plans and sometimes postpone prior commitments. A farm mom tolerates an ever-changing schedule, accepts being “fashionably” late (or in my family’s case – always being late) and prepares apologies when plans are cancelled altogether.
Article 2 – Take Pride
From a garden grown with love, to a warm, homemade meal, a farm mom takes pride in the little things that turn an ordinary farmhouse into a home. They say the best memories are made on the farm, but many special family moments are also made around the kitchen table.
Article 3 – Offer Sacrifice
Mother Nature never takes a day off and that’s why a farm mom is always prepared to sacrifice hours of her day to help take the crops out, run errands or double as a farm to field taxi driver. She understands when and why the farm comes first.
Article 4 – Carry Strength
Just as a farm mom understands compromise, she also shoulders the spontaneous risks and rewards of farming. Her physical and emotional strength carries the family through the good times and the bad. And her warm embrace always radiates hope for the future.
Thank you, Mom, for the love and lessons you share!