"Down on The Farm"

Okay well, I know I have been MIA for a few days, sorry about that everyone. I am not sure what happened, I lost track of time, I lost track of space. I most likely just lost track of me. That happens to me from time to time. I am not sure if you know how that feels gang, however, I am sure there are a few other people who know what I am talking about. Any way, as they once said “I’m Back!”
Yesterday the fishing was not only cold; so were the fish. McNeely is usually my hot spot lake for pan fish, however, only a few bites and not a one catch. on my way home, I driving, as one does on their way home, and saw three young guys, sign in hand asking for money for food for them and their dog. I am, by all means, a huge animal lover. I drove past, as over 90 percent of the population does in these situations, and got on the freeway to go home.
The chill of the cool winds still working its way out of my body, I was not even thinking of those young guys, and I turned around, stopped at a dollar store, bought dog food and dog treats, made my way back and dropped them off. Some how, it seemed wrong. The dog was eating not those young guys. So I of course asked when they last had a true hot good meal.
Food.
Simple, yet so important and so needed to survive. I take for granted that if I want something warm, Erika makes me a comforting pot of potato soup, I am warmed and feel loved and safe.
I sat there in that booth listening to the lives of strangers. Watching them laugh. Hearing the differences in their voices. Listening to the highs and lows of traveling across the country together. Salad, biscuits, pasta, gravy, wonderful table manners, better than my own at times, it was wonderful to sit and hear their lives unfold into colorful pictures in my mind.
Dinner really can bring families together, family yesterday were total strangers, human brothers, just like Ben or Justin. I did not see guys that had not had a decent meal in a few days. I saw my friends, their smiling faces, no one of them would ever go hungry. The dog? Sure you may ask, and I will tell you, Erika and I spoke once, about how we would never let an animal suffer or be hungry, I saw Odyssey, Apollo, Hud, Buster, Dexter, Dodge, and Sasha. My brother’s and I’s dogs, now and growing up, my Father’s favorite hunting dog, I saw them all.
Ah, the old cliché, the we are all a human family cliché. I don’t care about that. I know people were looking at me with these guys in the restaurant, I did not care then I don’t care now. Their meal was paid for; they were polite, respectful, quiet, kind to the wait staff. I felt bad about leaving them, when I dropped them off where they asked me to, those were the best good bye hugs I have received in a long time. If I never hear from them, or see them again, that day will always stick with me, I felt whole, good.
Alive. Living. Real. Human. Refreshed.
It does not get much better than that. If you get a chance please keep Rich, Rory, and Danny in your prayers, that they may be safe in their travels.
“Fair winds and following tides” boys.
Angie