My mother spent her childhood with her father on their farm in the US. She learned how to mend fences, plow (耕犁)fields, and make cheese. And she learned farm life doesn't offer1rewards, but if you stick with it, the effort and the long days2.
My grandpa spent his later years living on a comer of the farm, named Cherry Ridge, where they3riding horses together every Saturday before he died in 2011. Since that time, the farm has4into Cherry Ridge Therapeutic Learning Programs, a center for learning, horseback riding and companionship.
"I am a ‘road scholar5, learning in an experiential way," Mom told me. "I feel I was5with eyes to see the needs of a (n)6spirit," she added. She has partnered with a7called Working to Empower Students Together (WEST), which helps young people with learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral challenges, or unstable home environments.
Mom's latest project, the Farm Day Grief Camp, was8out of her grieving (悲伤)after the loss of my grandpa.
"I'm an adult woman who lost my dad only six years ago," Mom said. "There is nothing9than nature and animals to help with the10process." The camp's first visitors were five kids mourning (哀悼)the loss of a 7-year-old who died of cancer.11included painting and recalling the child's favorite things and a balloon launch they called "Sentiments to Heaven".
"Each camper wrote one thing they wished they could12with their departed (已故的)loved one on their balloon," Mom said. Children living with physical disabilities are also13at Cherry Ridge. Recently, a student in a wheelchair smiled ear—to—ear as he led the farm's mini horses around.
Mom's vision (设想)14children, ensuring the lessons she learned on the farm will be preserved for years to come. I know my grandpa would be15.
