SMALLY GEORGE: The Ones That Raised Me.

Growing up on a farm, I was constantly surrounded by neighbors, strangers, crew members, siblings and animals. I have lived an incredibly diverse life when it comes to my relationships. The individuals that have worked on my farm in the past have had a huge impact on the way I was raised. Being home-schooled, meant that I could learn from the real experiences of individuals from around the world rather than from textbooks.
I grew up with the biggest imagination, backyard and family. I am not saying I loved every minute of it, with big families come big issues. It was hard living in the center of a farm, the constant movement, chaos and hub-bub around me and parents constantly working their tail ends off to support individuals that I had no connection to.
But there is something about farmers, if you have met one than you understand. Farmers are some of the hardest working and most stable characters around. They do not give up, or back down. They know how to work harder, and longer than any others. They support more than just their family, they support communities and other families with love and tenderness. They are great hosts and even better friends. Yeah, sure sometimes they get busy or forget to call, but they will be there when it matters most, they will support you just like they support the earth in producing incredible crops.
I never understood the value of this lesson until I went away to college and learned the hard way. I understand the phrase distance makes the heart grow fonder to a whole new extent now. I never realized how where I came from, how I was raised and how the people I love could and have impacted the way that I live. I hope to one day be as stable, loving and wise as the individuals that raised me. Thank you, if you are reading this and you had ANY part of my childhood, thank you. You mean the world to me and I wouldn't be as confident, artistic, loud, crazy or competitive without you.