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.
July 6, 2015
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Comments by IntenseDebate
Mom
2015-07-06T17:01:00-07:00
Farm Fresh To You
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