True story I share today.
Carl is 88, maintains 5 acres right across the way. Been there since 1968, almost 50 years in the same farmhouse. Built a chicken coop last year and enjoys 25 laying hens. Neat as a pin. Sharp as a whip. Strong as an ox. First one to volunteer for any neighborhood project he can find. Eighth grade education.
Gave his daughter and son-in-law 5 of his original 10 acres, 15 years right next door. Last 3 Hatfield/McCoy-esqe. Carl in court this morning. Fighting for his dignity, his good Lutheran values, his Truth. He can still drive that’s for sure. He wheels the old Ford 8N like nobody’s business. One of his last road trips to Custer, SD to see Etta Mae just last summer.
The kids have other ideas, prompting today’s combination of letters. Seems like they are intent on having him, if not committed, then utterly grounded and under their complete “admini$trative” care. Opening up the adjoining, original 5 acres. Not yet some of the hottest property West of everything else, but won’t be long by my lucky stars.
Carl’s mom and grandma both died institutionalized. Both received electroshock therapy for Alzheimers, living into their nineties, decades in a vegetative state. Carl’s Greatest Fear this morning.
Only 3 years older than my own dad, proxy now for almost 4 years. Dear friend of the neighborhood, Bar None mentor and advisor, daily confidant, never count you out, Linda and I are pulling for you fella.
Just a few weeks ago we expanded the main garden to 16,000 square feet of Good Earth. I couldn’t have done it without Carl’s lifetime of experience. His 1956 Ford 8N as neatly maintained as the rest of his daily routine.
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