Take Time to Listen

Cover Art by Katie Gorman.

I grew up with loving grandparents on my mom’s side. My grandfather was a farmer and my grandmother was a homemaker. We used to go camping and fishing together. My grandmother and I always found the time to play Yahtzee. I will always hold those memories close to my heart.

I always loved how the whole family would get together at Christmas time at our grandparent’s house. When you lose your grandparents, it is not often that the whole family spends time together with each cousin again. Grandparents are truly the family bond.

My dad was the most influential person in my life and was a farmer, like my grandfather. He worked hard throughout his life and purchased his first farm at 17 with his mom. Growing up on the farm, we would have hayrides in the fall, sell sweet corn by the road and have an abundance of chores to do. I loved every moment of it – even stacking hale in the mow and unloading the hay wagons. I have fed calves and helped cows deliver calves with my dad. We cannot forget the smell of fresh cut hay and corn silage.

Although he worked from morning to night, my dad always made time for his four daughters and my mom. We always made a special day out of his birthday, especially since it was on New Year’s Day. My dad loved going to the movie theater with us and watching his action movies. I can still see his warm smile and hear him laughing while watching Home Alone.

What I love most about seniors are their stories. I love to hear about what life was like for them when they were young and to look back at the black and white photos while they joyfully reminisce. To me, it does not matter how many times I have heard the same story. It is just nice to spend time with them.

No matter who you come across, take the time to listen and slow down. We are all moving too fast.

This story was shared by Denise Carpenter.