My Grandmother’s Family Business

My grandmother turned 95 this November.

She lives in a nursing home in the town where she spent her whole life, and stays active in the community. Her husband and many of her friends have passed on, but she has many friends left, and lots of family.

She and my grandfather were family farmers. So they ran their own business all their lives. He learned all about crops and animals and machinery, and she managed the household and their affairs.

When they retired in the 80s and sold their farm and equipment to their son, my uncle, they had enough for a comfortable retirement.

My uncle has done well for himself farming, but now his children have moved on and made their own careers. Neither of them wanted to take over the farm.

Why?

It is so difficult to start and run a business, and especially a farm which is dependent on weather and crop prices and other unknowns.

But I believe we should be supporting small family businesses, including farmers, and helping that independent spirit in this country. Something is lost if everyone needs to work for a large corporation rather than running their own small business.

Plus, people like my grandmother are not only productive and independent, but active and giving members of their community. She is a beautiful person, and has made our country a better place.