This spring has been marked by lots of flexing and learning. Farmers don’t exactly have the reputation of being a flexible bunch, however, my parents and grandparents have taught us to be life long learners. Whether it is looking to improve our farming or business practices, or yes, even updating our technology, they’ve always encouraged us to not get stuck in a certain routine and to be constantly learning. These days, the ‘learning’ hasn’t been happening at a leisurely pace; it’s been more like drinking from a fire hose! Anything that I would have considered ‘normal,’ like sending my son to school, getting a babysitter and going to work, having friends over or going to church, it’s all come crashing down. Everything has had to be adjusted, and I can’t say it has been a smooth process.
While the struggle has been real, I have certainly gained a new appreciation of many things. I’ve realized that kindergarten teachers (actually, all teachers) are a gift straight from heaven. The patience, creativity, kindness (and did I mention patience?) of preparing material and activities to keep kids engaged is unreal. It takes so much energy! Now, what about meals? I didn’t think we ate out much, but apparently I was wrong. Buying groceries and cooking three meals a day, seven days a week requires an immense amount of organization and creates a lot of dishes! I love cooking. But. I. Am. So. Tired. Of. Cooking. I’ve always appreciated my doctors, nurses and medical team, but I have never thought about the daily workplace hazards they expose themselves to so they can serve us in our time of need. I am grateful for them in a very new way.
I don’t want to belittle the fact that these are hard days; but I do want to say I have been encouraged at what I have learned through this time. This has been a reminder, or perhaps a checkpoint, of what is truly important. So many of the gifts in my life that have always been there I can see clearer now.
Mother’s Day is coming up in just a few days, and it won’t look like it has for the last few years. While this is heartrending, I’m trying to trust that, just like so many other things, there can be good in this adjustment too. While the way we celebrate will change, we can still celebrate. We can’t necessarily go out for a party – so we’ll just have to bring the party in! The Davison foodservice team has been brainstorming and has come up with some really great meals that you can “take and bake” for mom at home. These are meals that can be enjoyed around your table, in your home. What do moms want? Well, I know what I want: I just want to know that I am loved and I am thought of. And yes, I think a meal that I didn’t have to organize or cook and, above all, clean up after, says just that.
I am seeing with new eyes some of the things I have taken for granted, and I’m thankful for that. I’d encourage you to take some time to think on, and maybe even make a list of, those things in your life.
Spring is here and sweeter days are coming. Follow this link to see our future pear harvest.
Laura
For the Davison Family
Take a step outside with Tom Davison in our latest video, as he shares about pollination and our busy bee friends!
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