Connecting the Generations 17

Connecting the Generations 17

December 12, 2017

Patti was doing very well in school in her drafting techniques. Once in a while her teacher would ask her to help another student that was behind. She gained the student's confidence and soon they did not need any help. Mr. Rodgers asked her what she intended to do when High School was over. “Well. Sir, I actually thought of joining the US Marine Corp to become a Surveyor.. My Ma says to always follow my heart. My Pa said he would miss my detailed maps.”said Patti with mirth.

“I would like to see some of those maps if your Pa would let me look at them. Your interest in drafting and map making reminds me of my son Jeff. He was about two years older than you when he joined the US Marines. He went into surveying right away. Because of a wound in his legs right now he teaches for the military. He is not sure if he will go out into the field again. Thy love him as a teacher. He told me an officer told someone he was so good he could teach a rock. It's their fighting spirit that sets Marines apart from any other force, but it's also their training and knowledge that gives them the advantage in every battle. If you are serious I'll write him and ask how to guide you to the best courses to study” said Mr Rodgers

Patti revealed her conversation with Mr Rodgers to Ma and Pa when she returned home from school. Pa said of course he could allow her teacher to look at his maps.

“If you are not busy studying Saturday I'd like you to help me figure out a way to keep the snow from blowing back into the field. Your brothers and I get up early, plow a path so the feed truck can get through to drop the hay. When your brothers get back from school the field needs plowing again. it.'s just in that back field. I should have planted some wind breaker trees long ago but didn't.”said Pa. Patti said of course she would help.

After school on Thursday Patti and her Pa went out back and looked around at some of the “Junk but usable” piles of things out in the lean to next to the barn. “Pa. I was thinking about the Australian Snow Fence design for the snow that keeps piling up in the pasture due to the wind. I copied this drawing on the photo copier at school. I asked my teacher what he thought of it for our problem. He said he knew these fences worked well in Australia and if you liked it he would come out and help on Saturday.” said Patti.

Roy looked at the design and then looked at his supplies. “You know dear daughter this might just work. I'll see if your brothers are free to help me Saturday. You are one smart young lady.” said a proud Pa.

Friday after class Patti handed Mr Rodgers a hand written letter from Pa asking him to come to the farm on Saturday. He also said Ma would like him to bring his Missus. Mr Rodgers said to tell her Pa that they would be there early.

Mr Rodgers, his wife Mable and their son Jeff were at the Marion's doorstep early Saturday morning. “Jeff came in late last night for a short visit. I told him about your daughter Patti and her interest in the US Marines. I hope it is OK with you folks that we brought him along.” said Mr Rodgers.

“Of course you are all welcome. Roy and the boys are going out to plow and feed the cattle. If you would like to go with them you are welcome.” said Ma.

Mr Rodgers told Pa to call him Robert instead of Mr. and if there was not a lot of walking Jeff would really like to see the area that was to be fenced.

The men all left and Mike had the truck pulled close to the house so Jeff could sit up in front. Jeff thanked him saying he really would like to get a few shots on his camera of the snow before it was to be plowed.

After the snow was removed Jeff took some quick shots of the area where the hay was to be placed for the cattle.

The men came inside after the animals were fed and found out breakfast was to be served. Ma asked Jeff if he would say the morning prayer. Jeff said he would be pleased to give the morning prayer.

May we eat Well

Blessed are you, Lord God, king of the universe:

you raised your beloved son from the dead,

and made him Lord of all.

We turn to you in prayer

and ask you to bless us

and this food you have given us.

Help us to be generous toward others,

and to work with them so that they too may eat well.

Loving Father,

may we all celebrate together

around your table in heaven.

We praise you and give you glory

through Christ our Lord.

From - Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, A Book of Blessings, 178.

©Julia A Knaake