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Three years ago, a couple in their early 30’s , bought the gentlemen’s farm down the street from us.

A gentlemen’s farm is also known as a hobby farm; a few acres of land, home and a small barn.

Chris works for UPS, Kaitlin stepped away from her hair salon career to raise their 2 year old daughter, Grace.
They’ve transformed 2 acres and put in a beautiful vegetable garden, fenced an acre for their pony and goat, spruced up the porch and upgraded the metal roof with gutters. They were living their American dream.

Last night, Chris stopped over and with a lump in his throat, asked if I could take his pony, goat and chickens. I was surprised as they invested so much time in their homestead.

I asked if everything was okay and if there was anything I could do to help.
He began to explain why he needed to rehome them.
He said they decided to put the gutters on the house knowing his seasonal overtime pay would replace the cost and though it might be tight financially, they would make it through the winter.

This time of year, Chris usually works extended hours, with a “runner” on his truck as there are so many deliveries.
Not this year.
I asked him if I could think about it overnight. He said yes and thanked me. He then added, if I said yes, would it be okay if they could bring Grace by once in a while to see the pony. I told him any time. My heart broke. They, like so many Americans, are struggling financially.

Ten minutes after he left, I called a few friends. They reached out to their friends. This morning, we left Chris and Kaitlin’s barn filled with hay, shavings and grain.
Melburn, the local Amish saw mill owner, has donated firewood for the season and is sending his sons to deliver and stack it after their chores today.
Stephanie, who owns the local diner, has placed a standing order for Kaitlin’s chicken eggs.
My farrier, Buster, has donated his services for their livestock.
Minnie, the retired nurse, has offered to babysit Grace if Kaitlin wants to work, as several of the choir ladies want their hair done for the annual Christmas Program.

I’m proud of my community. I’m proud to be an American. I’m proud of the local men and women who said yes, immediately.

Clarissa
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