It was three years ago today that Jim passed away.

One day last week, I spotted a large framed saying, complete with graphic, hanging in our local flower shop. Since we are an agrarian society, and especially in the Midwest, this is for Jim's memory but also for dads, brothers, grandfathers, etc. which prompts our memory of them:

CLOSE THE GATE

"For this one farmer the worries are over, lie down and rest your head.

"Your time has been and struggles enough, put the tractor in the shed.

"Years were not that easy, many  downright hard, but your faith in God transcended.

"Put away your tools and sleep in peace. The fences have been mended.

"You raised a fine family, worked the land well and always followed the Son.

"Hang up your shovel inside the barn; your work here on earth is done.

"A faith few possess led your journey through life often a jagged and stony way.

"The sun is setting, the cattle are all bedded, and here now is the end of your day.

"Your love of God's soil have passed on to your kin; the stories flow like fine wine.

"Wash off your work boots in the puddle left by blessed rain one final time.

"You always believed that the good Lord would provide and He always had somehow.

"Take off your gloves and put them down, no more sweat and worry for you now.

"Your labor is done, you home now is heaven; no more must you wait.

"You legacy lives on, your love of the land, and we will close the gate."

~ Nancy Kraayenhof

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