Foster Road farm sign

Farm Journal

Thoughts and images from life at Foster Road

 

Entry: December 18, 2009

 

Bad News

A week ago, it was a first-snow day, cars off the road, schools delayed, the house so cold I could see my breath. Clark had not returned my calls over the past day and neither Sam nor Eric appear to have been on site. Only dog footprints marked the snow, probably Nellie from across the road. A window was broken, one of my beloved wavery old ones, and the glass was still on the floor when I arrived in the afternoon. It was all so bleak I wanted to cry.

 

Had something happened? I sorely wanted a good reason why work had stopped so I could keep up my pitiful morale. But the reason turned out to be heartbreaking. After months on antibiotics, a gnarly lump under Sam’s jaw turns out to be cancer.

 

He’s out of the hospital now staying with Clark’s family. The crew is good to each other, hanging together during tough times, loyal even when they spat. I know Sam’s well cared for and hear that his prognosis is optimistic.

 

Sam, I look forward to having your curmudgeonly presence back on the job. In the meantime, you’re in my prayers.