My cousin Dennis has often been a friend in time of need, knowing just when to show up. He came over the morning after my father’s funeral and we sat around a table with my mother, reliving bygone days with the help of her old photographs. There were photos of my father breaking land, of … Continue reading Chapter 1 – Why couldn’t I be the healthy one?
farming
The parable of the train-chasing dog
Many years ago, in the time of small farms, one such farm was located beside a railway that connected several of the big cities of the area. The farm consisted of a number of small fields, cultivated by a small tractor, and a pasture containing a few cows and their calves. There was a little … Continue reading The parable of the train-chasing dog
The half-converted farmer
Years ago, there was a farmer in our neighbourhood who lived a simple life. He had no need of electricity, running water or a lawn mower. He didn't seem to have a need for a wife either, though it was rumoured that once long ago there had been a lady of the house. Perhaps the … Continue reading The half-converted farmer
One kernel of wheat
How many people can be fed with one kernel of wheat? David Fife fed millions. The Fife family came to Canada from Scotland in 1820 when David was 15. They settled in Otanabee township, east of Peterborough, Ontario . When David was 20, he married Jane Becket and they began to farm on their own. … Continue reading One kernel of wheat
Flatlander Faith 