July 6, 2015

 

Mom

From the Fields - Thaddeus
My brothers and I grew up on the farm my parents started in 1976. It is hard to believe that we have been solely responsible for the farm for 15 years last week. When we were kids, it was a square piece of land that was 20 acres in size. On this piece of land, my parents toiled in the soil, raising organic produce and peddling it at local farmers markets, to restaurants and distributors. This was our childhood.

Life happened in the 90’s. Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. Our parents had an amicable divorce, and our mother, Kathy, bought our father, Martin, out of the farm. Mom started Farm Fresh To You and was proud of the business that had grown to 500 deliveries per week. Mom loved what she did. In the winter, she poured over seed catalogs making next year’s planting schedule. She was proud of the positive feedback she received from her customers. Mom passed on pieces of advice that we took for granted: quality and selection, be proud of the farm, work hard, be respectful to everyone, and above all – you boys stick together.

Between sophomore and junior year in college at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, I was back on the farm to help mom with the summer crops. I had just returned from a quarter in Guanajuato, Mexico, where I had learned enough Spanish to achieve communication with our invaluable team of Latino production, harvest and packing crews. I remember mom making a big point to show me how she put together the Farm Fresh To You contents a week before she passed. “Mom, I get it. It’s not that hard,” I said. She laughed and was relieved at my confidence. Looking back, I suspect she knew what I was in for, but I surely didn’t.

Fifteen years ago, the morning of July 2nd, our mother and founder of Farm Fresh To You ended her battle with breast cancer in the very room of our farm house that I was born in. My brothers and grandparents were there to witness her last breath. At that moment, we had no idea that our entire world had just changed.

Overnight, I inherited the full load of farm responsibilities, including the farm news. Freeman inherited the farmers markets and delivery of the Farm Fresh To You boxes. Noah inherited the financials and sales. Che looked on from his military base in Puerto Rico, where he was piloting Falcon Jets for the Coast Guard, offering moral support.

I am proud that we are still together. I know mom would be amazed at what has happened over the years. But most importantly, I am so thankful to all of our Farm Fresh To You customers who have tried our service and a special shout out to those of you who have made it part of your life. Thank you. We could not have done it without you.

Comments (24)

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Nice tribute to your mom. It's refreshing to hear about the history of the business.
Your mom sounds like a great person who deserves this tribute. You have grown a successful enterprise. Keep trying to reduce our carbon footprint and you will continue to have many good loyal local customers.
she is beautiful and no doubt really proud of her kids....
Your words and your work is a beautiful tribute to you mom. Thank you for sharing this part of her and a part of your heart.
*are* a beautiful tribute
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for sharing. Your mom is smiling in heaven seeing her sons have listened to her advice.
What an amazing, strong,impressive woman! Did all that & raised you boys in such a healthy natural way! Wow thanks for sharing
Thank you for sharing with us, it means so much to know that others can relate to our story.
Although I did not know her or your family, this brought a tear to my eye and remembering the love of my mother for me and my siblings. There is nothing like it. Praying for you all during this season.
Being that I live in an area where they don't give you the best produce selection in the grocery stores, I'm very blessed to have found a company like Farm Fresh to you. Thank you for the opportunity, if only once a month, to be able to enjoy wonderful fruits and vegetables. Thank you for all you do!
It's homestyle sharing of yours that has connected with my heart. I thank God and Jesus for you all and may He, our Lord, look after and touch you all with peace, love and protection during the storms, and patience for the promises from heaven. Liza
What a wonderful tribute to your mother. It appears that you boys inherited her heart for the produce from your farm. I have been thoroughly pleased with both the product and the service from Farm Fresh to You. Thank you for the service so far and in the years to come, Jean
Thank you for this back story. It affirms why I continue with Farm Fresh. While the produce is first rate, I feel committed to supporting your endeavor and legacy. Thank you for the opportunity to participate in what matters.
Thanks for sharing. So glad to learn of your Mom and the history of the Farm. Appreciate being a part of it now.
I enjoyed reading this beautiful tribute to your mother. She sounds like an amazing woman and would be so proud of the legacy you are continuing. I'm sorry you lost her to breast cancer. Hopefully with modern science we will help others conquer this disease. I truly enjoy receiving my box of farm fresh to you. I am happy to be able to provide my children with good quality organic food.
Fountainetta's avatar

Fountainetta · 494 weeks ago

I am so grateful for you and your family's journey! It has inspired my own to go into business together and really learn how to be productive together in the world. Your efforts are not unnoticed. All of the love and kindness to you all for what you do for our community. VIVA LA fresh FOOD
Thank you for sharing about your mother. My mother and father are in their 80s and still enjoy growing their garden and grove and providing fresh produce for my family. Your story made me realize I have never shared how important their home grown produce is to contributing to my healthy life. I will thank them both this week. Thank you.
What a BEAUTIFUL tribute to your Wonderful Mother. I know she is so proud of her boys. Thank you for sharing. Well, I am starting, and wanting to live a more healthy and holistic lifestyle, not only for myself, but for my Husband and Son. Your program couldn't have been introduced to me at a more perfect time (Ontario Home Show). I am excited to jump on this healthy bandwagon, and become one of your loyal customers. Again, I am very proud of you, and your family for continuing your mothers dreams. Much LOVE and SUCCESS.
Thank you for sharing this about your family. Your mom's legacy lives on in you and your brothers and I am so proud that I am a customer of such a family based company. My girls are so excited to see what comes in our box every other week and that puts a smile on my face and in my heart.
I love how you take the time to add articles about your Mom to the blog and Farm message throughout the year and taking the time to share more about her at times like now. She was ahead of her time and I can only imagine her peering from Heaven at her children and Grandchildren, amazed at how you've not only kept her goals for the farm, but managed to extend it to include other artisans and small farms by your farm and near the various delivery areas you deliver to and still keep things organic, affordable, and inclusive for those taking the time to take pride in healthy farming.
I really don't know how to express my thanks to you.
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