Growing up on a farm in Indiana I experienced watching corn
turn from a tiny seed to an 8 or 9 ft. tall plant and then to a shriveled dead
stalk with an ear of golden treasure attached. I shared in part to get the seed
to the finished product, but never had the opportunity to take part in most of
the process, granted this is only the beginning.
This year I joined Mortimer Family Farms thinking I would be
helping out wherever needed, but never did I believe that I would be the one
that made it happen in part. Don’t get me wrong, it takes many people to make
it all work. And it has taken many people, sometimes I am the “many people”.
The thing that has made a difference is not preparing or fertilizing the soil,
but planting the seed.
I watched, waited and wondered if I did everything right, in
order for the corn seeds to grow to maturity. Then the day came that the plant
pushed it way from darkness into light, each day, pushing its way up a little
farther.
The feeling I had when the plant reached top-side was of one
of wonder, pride, thankfulness, but mostly awe. The miracle of a life, plant or
animal cannot be made to happen by human hands. I am thankful that I get to be
a part of the process.
Now my vigilance turns toward protection, checking for weeds
or damage that pests will inflict, but for now it is growing without hindrance.
Hopefully, before I know it, my 74 day wait will be up and I will get to sink
my teeth into the tender, juicy, loveliness that we all look forward to every
summer.
Angela