The Last Word Editor’s Notes by Ann Clinton aclinton@iasoybeans.com
Kindness in Agriculture
A
bout a year ago, when my father was diagnosed with cancer, I mentioned it in this column. I wrote about how the changes were impacting my family’s lives and specifically, our emotions. As a daughter grieving the situation, I discussed how I was struggling with watching my dad hurt. Shortly after the magazine was published, I received an email from a man named Franco. In that correspondence, he didn’t sign his last name or indicate where he lived. He just told me he was a farmer who related to my story because he was battling cancer. He said he too had a daughter who loved him, and she was filled with worry. That email meant a lot to me. Written simply and sincerely, his note represented a lifeline of sorts to me. It was a sign that we are all in this thing together; however, you define the “thing” to be. When you realize there are others out there, walking
the same path as you are, you feel less scared. I believe there is strength in community. As I responded to his email, I told Franco how important his words were to me. I thanked him for comforting a stranger such as myself. I said I was motivated to pass the kindness onto the next person. I guess that sparked an unlikely friendship, as Franco and I kept in communication. We eventually met for the first and only time at the Farm Progress Show last year. He asked me about my dad, and I asked him about his daughter. I recently received word that Franco passed away. To say the news was heartbreaking is an understatement. I didn’t know Franco well, but I knew enough. His compassion, his vulnerability and love for his family were clearly articulated in his understated mannerisms. Franco’s email started a chain
reaction I could have never anticipated at the time. But that’s what kindness is all about. Those of us in agriculture see it all the time. A farmer gets hurt and neighbors swoop into harvest. Someone is in need, and the agricultural community responds. Here’s to all those out there fighting the good fight. Those who understand human compassion and empathy. Those who simply love their people. I am grateful for you. Thank you for your continued support of this magazine and the Iowa Soybean Association as a whole. This issue is full of good news related to new uses produced from soybeans and research advancing the value of your commodity. The checkoff work being done on behalf of farmers is exciting. Drop me a note if you have some other good news stories to share. I’d love to hear from you.
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