The expanse of space, the gazillion birds, towering trees, the creaky house.

Now it’s someone else’s family farm. I hope they decide to make a go of organic farming. The world needs more of that. (I’m not suggesting our methods were entirely organic—I remember my parents spraying the apple trees to get the worms under control and the spray from the crop dusters was certainly not contained to the intended crops. But our animals were free range and treated well. We didn’t spray our garden that I’m aware of. No antibiotics used. Etc.)

My parents have moved to a smaller, one-story home on a piece of property that my dad can manage (all these years, they’ve done 99.9 percent of the work themselves. My 81-year old dad hired a lawn mowing service for the first time just a couple summers ago).

One day, I’ll have to resort to driving by to see whether the house is still standing and how the trees have grown or, in some cases, disappeared.

The final move was a harsh reminder that we’re all getting older, things come and go. Time marches on. (Insert cliche here.)

The end of an era was marked, reinforcing the fact that everything is temporary.

It all slapped me in the face, awakening me to the reality that, one day, my parents will be gone, too.

Today, I know I can call them when something’s wrong. To hear their reassuring voice. To feel their support. And occasionally view their raised eyebrow when I say things like, “I’m never using a microwave again!” or “I really can’t eat beef or pork!”

I’ll always have the memories and rocks.

I collected rocks over the last couple of years that I never even knew existed on their property until one day I asked to borrow the truck to buy some rocks. “We have rocks!” my dad informed me.

I used them at our home to border the rain garden. And help with runoff. So part of the farm resides here at my own home. And, if I move, I suppose I’ll have to pack up at least a few of them and let go of the rest. The memories, of course, will reside in my heart forever. 

Adapted from my blog, Putting It Out There.

Bonus:

Listen to the latest episode of The Green Divas Radio Show…

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