Dear Harvest Widow

Dear Harvest Widow,

You’re the woman in charge of the harvest crew and I see you. I see you working behind the scenes, preparing the food, manning the occasional truck or combine, watching the kids, holding down the fort, alone. I see you looking out the window, waiting for those pickup lights to pull up, knowing your husband is finally home for the night. You’re there to greet him in his weariness, to listen to the struggles of the day, to unpack the scraps left over in his lunchbox, washing yet another dish. But have faith, it eventually comes to an end. Remember, harvest is the culmination of all the hard work put in through the year. Finally getting that crop secured in the bin. It's worth it.

Yes I know the long days in the field are grueling, I’ve been there myself. But now I see it from the other side. The mother that is exhausted, because she just needs 10 minutes to take a shower alone, the baker that provides treats for the trucking crew, the chef that is responsible for feeding a large group of hungry, tired men, the maid that washes the clothes and accountant that makes sure the bills have been paid. You are the keeper of the house, the Mr. Fix-It, because that light switch can’t wait any longer and the garbage disposal won’t fix itself.

It’s hard and I see you in your struggle, but I’m here to encourage you. You’ve got this lady! It’s game time and it’s the final quarter. That break down you had last night is a thing of the past, the tears have dried and it’s a new day. Take a moment to enjoy half of the brownie you cooked for your husband, you deserve it. I applaud you for your strength and I will keep cheering for you, because I am right there with you, counting down the days.

We started on July 9th, we “should” finish August 19th. Hang in there, you've got this!

Best Regards,

Your Fellow Farm Wife and Widow