Aunt Alice told Tom that life on the farm in those days was very different from today. She said that they had to do a lot of hard work by hand or with horse-drawn equipment1. They had to clear the land, plant the seeds, water the crops, harvest the produce, and store the food. They also had to take care of the animals, feed them, milk them, shear them, and protect them from predators. They had to deal with the weather, the pests, the diseases, and the market prices. They had to make their own clothes, tools, furniture, and medicine. They had to be self-reliant, resourceful, and resilient.
But Aunt Alice also said that life on the farm in those days was very rewarding. She said that they had a strong sense of community, family, and faith. They helped each other, shared with each other, and celebrated with each other. They enjoyed the beauty of nature, the seasons, and the stars. They had fun with games, songs, stories, and dances. They learned from their elders, their peers, and their experiences. They had a deep appreciation for life, and a humble gratitude for God.
Aunt Alice said that life on the farm in those days was not easy, but it was meaningful. She said that she was happy, and she hoped that Tom would be happy too. She said that she loved him, and she gave him a hug.Old Reginald was impressed by Aunt Alice’s story. He remembered how much she had taught him, and how much she had loved him. He wanted to share more of her story with Tom, and to honor her memory. He decided to write a poem for her, and to read it to Tom. He took a pen and a paper, and wrote:
Aunt Alice, you were a farmer’s daughter
You grew up on a farm in the countryside
You loved animals, and plants, and nature
You helped your dad with the farm work
You had adventures, and dreams, and hopes
Aunt Alice, you were a kind and generous lady
You took me in when my parents died
You raised me as your own son
You made me feel loved and special
You gave me a card, and a bicycle, and a cake
Aunt Alice, you were a brave and smart girl
You inspired me with your stories
You taught me many things
You showed me how to be happy
You gave me a hug, and a kiss, and a smile
Aunt Alice, you are my angel in heaven
You watch over me and Tom
You bless us with your grace
You fill our hearts with joy
You give us love, and peace, and hope
He read the poem to Tom, and they both felt a warm and tender emotion. They thanked Aunt Alice for her gift, and they thanked God for her life. They said a prayer for her, and they said they loved her. They put the poem in a frame, and hung it on the wall. They looked at it, and smiled. They were happy, and they made each other happy.