A Life in the Fields: 78 Years of Hard Work and Quiet Gratitude

Waking Up Before the Sun

At 78 years old, I’ve seen more sunrises than most could count. Today, like every other day, I woke up before the sun, the familiar rhythm of farm life guiding me into another quiet morning. The field was still, the only sound was the whisper of the wind as it danced through the crops. For a moment, I stood still, taking it all in—feeling the earth beneath my boots, hearing the rustle of the leaves in the morning breeze.

I’ve spent my life in this place, from the early mornings to the late nights, working the land that has always been my home. As a farmer, my hands have known more labor than most words could ever describe. But no matter the hard work, no matter the long hours, the seasons have taught me patience, faith, and hope. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.

The Years of Hard Work and Dedication

I’ve spent countless seasons planting, waiting, praying, and finally harvesting. Every year, the cycle repeats itself: the hope of a bountiful crop, the fear of drought or disease, the waiting to see what the soil will give back. Some seasons are kind, and the harvest fills the barn to the brim. Others, the fields are bare, and the struggle seems never-ending. But through it all, one thing remains constant: the work never stops. The field waits for no one.

It’s in these quiet moments that I reflect. I’ve learned to work without needing recognition or praise. My hands have grown calloused over the years, but they’re strong. I’ve lived with the quiet satisfaction of knowing I’ve given my all, every season, even when the world doesn’t see or notice.

The Seasons of Faith and Perseverance

Some seasons, like today, are hard to describe. There are moments when the only thing that keeps me going is the faith that tomorrow will be better. When the crops fail, when the storms come and tear apart what I’ve worked for, all I can do is hold on to the hope that tomorrow might bring something different.

Faith has always been a part of my life—faith in the land, faith in the work, and faith in the power of tomorrow. It’s what keeps me moving forward, no matter how heavy the burden feels. It’s what helps me get up and keep going when everything seems to be against me. And when the seasons are good, and the harvest is bountiful, it’s in those moments I find peace. It’s the quiet blessings that make it all worth it.

Today, I Turn 78

Today marks 78 years of living this life. And no, I’m not asking for anything fancy. I don’t need big celebrations or grand gestures. I’ve never been the type to seek attention or accolades. But if you’re reading this, if it’s not too much to ask, I’d be grateful for a simple “happy birthday.” A small message may seem like nothing, but to someone who has spent a lifetime working without recognition, it means more than you could imagine.

The Power of Small Gestures

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that sometimes it’s the small things that matter the most. A kind word, a simple greeting, a gesture of recognition—those things have a way of making the day a little brighter. For someone who has spent so much time working in the background, unnoticed, it’s those small acts that remind me I’m seen. A birthday message, a kind thought, or even just a moment of acknowledgment—these things are worth more than any material gift.