A few weeks ago I came across two posts in my facebook timeline that caused me to stop in my tracks. As an overly busy person, stopping for much of anything is rare and something has to be pretty powerful to catch my attention for very long. The two posts I saw that day came together and inspired an idea.
Have you seen the “Humans of New York” page on facebook? It shows a little glimpse into the lives of random people on the street in New York City via a simple photo and a short story. Each of the posts on that page remind me that we are all connected, despite our differences and we all have a unique story to tell.
So back to the day that this idea started… I was scrolling through my facebook feed and I read a post on the “Humans of New York” page and then I scrolled down and saw another photo and story that was just as captivating from a farm friend of mine. The idea to share little glimpses of the real life people behind the food in the grocery store was born and thus, a new series of posts that will be shared both here and on my facebook page was born. I hope you will follow along and share these posts with your friends. After all, is life in NYC or a dairy farm in Wisconsin really different when we get down to what makes us all tick?
With that, I would like to introduce you all to my friend Ruth, her post was the other post I saw that day a few weeks ago. Her story is the inspiration behind this new series. I hope you’ll enjoy Humans of Agriculture.
Humans of Agriculture Ruth’s Story.
Meet Ruth.
“I’m glad I don’t have hardly any mirrors in my house, otherwise I might have a real problem. I am much more comfortable looking at myself with a hat or scarf. At times, looking at myself when I am feeling good is difficult because I look in the mirror and see a sick person – scars, deformed, and bald. And I don’t feel sick at that point. During chemo week and when I’m sick, I just plain don’t care so it doesn’t matter looking into the mirror.
This will be the longest stretch in my life not milking cows, too risky for me to get infections when my blood count is so low. I’m so injury prone, get scratches here and there and don’t even pay attention when I’m out working but infection is now a very big issue. So I must be patient and enjoy looking at my girls when I go for a walk.”
Ruth is the farmer behind your food. Think of Ruth when you buy Torkelson Cheese.
Follow Ruth and her family HERE
Carrie, I love this idea! Every time I see one of those Humans of New York posts I think “what’s so special about New York?” I actually enjoy the posts, but there is humanity everywhere. Also, what an amazing first story – prayers of strength for Ruth and her family.
I think this is a wonderful tribute to farmers everywhere. I, too, enjoy Humans of New York but think I will enjoy Humans of Agriculture even more!
I understand….. sometimes when getting ready to get in the shower, I look at all the scars, the misshapen franken-boobs, the bulge on my chest from the chemo port, and the bald head and think “all things considered, it’s not so horrible, I could look a lot worse” and I’m fine with it…. other times …. well, it can inspire a “mini-meltdown”. Each individual thing, in and of itself, is pretty easy to deal with…. but when I see ALL OF IT at once…. much harder.
And I know the scars will fade, the port will be removed and the “touch up” surgery will reshape things into a more “normal” form…. but some days/moments it’s just rougher to maintain an emotional equilibrium somehow.
I totally relate! I tell my husband all the time that i hate looking at my port and the scar, then adding my stubble head to the mix? Yeah…..having my mastectomy in two weeks isnt going to make things any better. But, it could be so much worse!
Love your thought processes and ideas Carrie! I too have seen the post of Humans of New York and am captivated each time I do. I is beauty in the simplest forms that make you stop. Will be happy to help spread the word!
Laurie – Country Link
Love that you are going to do this!
I can’t love my scars either…but 11 years after going through surgery, chemo, radiation and then 6 years of medication, I’m happy to be still here and working in ag, with a beautiful baby girl to nourish and help grow. All healing wishes to Ruth, fellow survivors and everybody undergoing treatment.
I love Humans of NY, and I love that you’ve incorporated that idea into your passion for farming and agriculture. Very cool!