The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

With Amber Waves Of Grain

by Dessa Rodeffer
Quill Editor/Publisher

3 October 2001

Is it just me, or do you see it too? The fields of grain have never looked so beautiful.

I was traveling from Cole Photography back to Highway 94 when the sun was shining across the golden field of soybeans owned by Ivan Jacobs.

I just had to stop my Jeep and watch the combine of Russ Gardner working there. He was traveling along side a grain truck driven by his father, Lee, filling it to the brim from its bumper crop of soybeans.

I think it is the first time the sight was overwhelming to me. The bounty of our harvests in our farming communities, I have taken for granted.

Since September 11, 2001, I look at things as if I had been given a new pair of glasses.

The trivial urgencies I once thought was most important, are not important at all, and the things I thought were of less importance, are more precious than I could imagine - like our fields of grain, a sunrise, our neighbors smile and wave.

All these things could be gone in an instant if the destructive terrorists had their way.

The Big River Bridge, our connection to Burlington, Iowa and what lies beyond, the Army ammunition plant, so many things could attract a sick mind that wants to destroy.

Our soldiers are gathering. They must stop those who are a threat to America and to other nations. Our flag and what it stands for has never seemed so important.

I'm reminded of my children, who have traveled to a foreign lands for the first time, one in Spain, another in Japan, and then they returned home. All seemed so much more important to them once they were back home.

Farmers must be in awe right now as they harvest their crops. It must seem different than any other year. Even when their tire is flat and those break-downs come, and they must run for parts, I am guessing they feel less stress over the matter and more appreciative for the work that lies ahead.

America's freedoms have been threatened, but we will see the bounty that we all have in America, and the strength that we carry, the loved ones who are always there, and we will move on in appreciation.

In the midst of this heavy weight that has hit us all like a ton of bricks, we will touch base with our loved ones more often, say a prayer of thanks for our blessings we have taken for granted, and finish the work that is set before us with even more determination. You can see it happening almost everywhere. Our priorities have been tweaked.

"America, America, God shed his grace on thee. And crown thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea."