Sunday, November 4, 2012

Hands in the Dirt

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Growing up on a ranch in the country,

I learned the value of having my

hands in the dirt.


That is when, I believe, the best thinking occurs.

It is such a humble act.


My father would say ‘I came by it honest’,

as did my Grandmother Mills,

and my aunts,

and my mother,

and of course my father.


Whether it happens on a little league field,

or in a garden of tomatoes,

or zinnias,

or a dry land farm full of grain,


it is an act that allows us to say

we are simple people,

with simple humble values,

and an appreciation for the simple things in life.


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At a little league game this past week,

while watching my oldest grandson wait patiently on first base,

waiting for the perfect moment to steal second,

as he let handfuls of dirt run through his fingers,

I began to grin because I realized he gets it too.


He has an old soul.

Don’t however be fooled by his relaxed state.


Even in my family’s love of the simple things,

we can move pretty fast when we need to.


He stole home.




12 comments:

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Great News - Congratulations to your Grandson!!

Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door said...

Laura, I love this! There's just something so special about the feel of dirt shifting through your fingers. I love that your grandson was doing this subconsciously while contemplating his steal! Thanks for sharing this moment with us.

NanaDiana said...

Gotta love those "old souls" amongst our grandkids- I have two of them that are like that. Growing up on a farm I can certainly identify with this post- xo Diana

Debby said...

My first that was "awesome" and your frist person to comment said the same thing.

Chenille Cottage said...

Way to go...little man!
Grammy hugs,
Carolynn xo

Theresa said...

Great picture:) Nothing like watching those Grandkids "doing their thing"! Have a blessed day dear friend, HUGS!

Donnamae said...

Great story! Can't help but smile! Enjoy your day! ;)

Pura Vida said...

Your posts are truly poetic. Maybe because I get it too!! But the story and the photos just...well they gave me the chills! Amazing the way you can just say it.

Deb said...

those photos also stole my heart...I get it...hands in the dirt...Hotrod and I have so much fun with our hands in the dirt...or sand...

trash talk said...

L.B.,
I'd say he stole more than that except what is freely given can't be stolen. Your ability to take the smallest of things and turn them into game-changing events is truly a gift and one I envy you for...but in a nice way!
Deb
P.S. I could feel the dirt sifting through my fingers.

Connie said...

You paint a picture with your words....even without seeing the real thing. A gift to all of us! That grandson is a honey!

Connie said...

You paint a picture with your words....even without seeing the real thing. A gift to all of us! That grandson is a honey!

 

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