At 2:26 am, 11 years ago today, we awoke to the sound of our dog barking and we heard the enormous roar of a fire as our dairy barn was engulfed in flames. Looking out our bedroom and seeing the fire is an image I'll not soon forget. I raced downstairs and dialed 911 and 8 minutes later fire trucks were at our place. Waitng those 8 minutes felt like an eternity as we watched our way of life coming to an end. On an average day, it takes me about 10 minutes to drive from the farm to the office in Zurich. The volunteer fire fighters (from Zurich) made it our house in 8. Think about it, they had to wake up, get dressed, drive to the fire department, change into their gear and then made it out to our house in 8 minutes. I'm astonished actually and eternally grateful. Even though they were unable to save the barn, they were able to save the house and the implement shed.
Our kids were 11, 10 & 8 at the time and the memory of that night is not long forgotten. As I write or talk about that day, I still get choked up. Wayne & I were dependent on our friends and family during those first difficult few days. I found it hard to even think of what to make for supper, let alone what were we going to do -- rebuild, move, what?
After much prayer we decided to sell, (the cows & quota) and an even harder decision was to stay where we were and try something else. Wayne had milked cows for almost 30 years, so this wasn't an easy decision. But we learned that there is life after dairy farming.
Wayne was fortunate to have found work immediately after the loss, this helped him to put his focus elsewhere. In 5 short years after losing the barn, Wayne returned to his heart's desire and works for a neighbour as his hired dairy man.
We might not ever understand why this had to happen but
we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28 (New International Version), and in that I put my trust.
Blessings
disclaimer: she's not for sale.
Darcy goes first and as I'm gagging, up his nose it goes. Not 5 seconds later he is moaning from the pain of the peppercorns. {smirk} Does this stop Kyle? oh no, not Kyle. He too takes his turn and yes he too starts to moan after a few seconds. {double smirk}
Looking forward to next year!
"The word happiness evokes visions of unwrapping gifts on Christmas morning, strolling hand in hand with the one you love, being surprised on your birthday, responding with unbridled laughter to a comedian, or vacationing in an exotic locale. Everyone wants to be happy; we make chasing this elusive ideal a lifelong pursuit: spending money, collecting things, and searching for new experiences. But if happiness depends on our circumstances, what happens when the toys rust, loved ones die, health deteriorates, money is stolen, and the party's over? Often happiness flees and despair sets in. In contrast to happiness stands joy. Running deeper and stronger, joy is the quiet, confident assurance of God's love and work in our lives - that he will be there no matte what! Happiness depends on happenings but joy depends on Christ."
Wayne began seriously practicing for this tournament in January after I bought him a crokinole board for his birthday. After supper each night we would get the board out and each of us - Kyle, Darcy and myself would take turns helping Wayne to practice. I like to think that I gave Wayne the best practice because I am the worst player. ^.^ However we all know that it's the boys who were better competition for their dad giving him the help he needed to be better prepared for this game.