The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Greetings to ever one in western
Illinois and all readers of The Quill.
We've shore enough needed our long johns this week with the ice storm that hit this weekend. It shore do makes ya grateful for inside plumbin' and hot runnin' water.
I'm a hopin' ever ones' gotten their corn stalks baled and their cows tucked into fenced corn pastures braced in good for nasty weather. Now the trick is to keep em in there and keep the water thawed enough they can drink.
Me and the Misses is hope'n you and the family are takin' time to go to Christmas church programs during this special season. Always keep in mind, the reason for the season.
It shore is good to see families gathering together at Christmas and buildin' memories. The last storm that rolled through these parts a week ago took the lives of three individuals from this area. A young woman that was about to get her LPN nursing degree, a man who was a business office hospital worker, and another feller who was a mighty fine farmer and farm manager from the Kirkwood community. Dessa went to the funeral and was pleasantly surprised to see a most unusual tribute to a man's loyalty to farming. His friends, neighbors and tenants lined his pathway to the cemetery with farm tractors and farm machinery of all sorts to show their great loss of a noble friend. Dessa told that the entrance to the cemetery was guarded by his favorite 9N Ford and M International which he started farming with in 1962. She captured a picture for the family, of the heartbreaking empty tractor seat as the funeral procession solemnly drove past. Dessa said it was impossible to hold back the tears that flowed incessantly like a river as the hearse drove by the riderless tractor and its lonely empty seat.
One never knows when the good Lord and all his wisdom will call us home into eternity, one step ahead of the rest of us. What's really important is to keep our hearts and faith pure with the hope to meet up with them again. It's important to remember that the reason for the season is Jesus Christ and what all that means to us. One never knows when we arise in the morning, put a crop in, or make any plans for the day, whether we will ultimately be around to finish the job.
As we get older, we shore can see the merits of spending quality time with the family. Too much work without family time, is not what builds strong family ties. Ya caint be a close family without spending quality time being a family.
With that, I got some wisdom to share with you from age 6 to 92:
Wisdom As We Grow Older
I've learned that I like my teacher because she cries when we sing "Silent Night". (Age 6)
I've learned that ya can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk. (Age 7)
I've learned that when I wave to people in the country, they stop what they are doing and wave back. (Age 9)
I've learned that if you want to cheer yourself up, you should try cheering someone else up. (Age 14)
I've learned that although it's hard to admit it, I'm secretly glad my parents are strict with me. (Age 15)
I've learned that silent company is often more healing than words of advice. (Age 24)
I've learned that if someone says something unkind about me, I must live so that no one will believe it. (Age 39)
I've learned that the greater a person's sense of guilt, the greater his need to cast blame on others. (Age 46)
I've learned that singing "Amazing Grace" can lift my spirits for hours. (Age 49)
I've learned that you can tell a lot about a man by the way he handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. (Age 52)
I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you miss them terribly after they die. (Age 53)
I've learned that if you want to do something positive for your children, try to improve your marriage. (Age 61)
I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. (Age 62)
I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, the needs of others, your work, meeting new people, and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you. (Age 65)
I've learned that whenever I decide something with kindness, I usually make the right decision. (Age 66)
I've learned that everyone can use a prayer. (Age 72)
I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. (Age 82)
I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love human touch-holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. (Age 85)
I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. (Age 92)
Well, that's it fer this week, there ain't no more.
Hope'n to see ya in church this week.
Where ever ya is, what ever ya be a don't BE A GOOD ONE!! Keep on Smile'n
Catch ya later
BARNYARD BRUKE