The Rural Voice, 1993-10, Page 35at the funeral, since her father had
been so well known. Some faces
were only vaguely familiar, as they
were now middle-aged people. It
made her realize just how long she
had been away. In the days that
followed, they received an
outpouring of food and assistance,
typical of the close-knit rural
community. Neighbours assisted
with chores, which enabled Carolyn
and her mother to handle the many
other details.
The question of the farm began to
weigh heavily now. The time had
come to confront her mother — and
herself — over the issue. "I don't
really know what to do," her mother
replied. "Your father and I built this
home together, the farm finally
reached the point we wanted it to be
at. All the hard work was just
beginning to pay off with the cattle
breeding program. It would hurt
deeply to leave it now, but renting it
is out of the question. Most people
here are either losing or selling their
farms, or subdividing the land for a
poor and hard way to earn a living.
The insecurity of governments,
markets, the economy, and the
weather could destroy you. No, I'll
try to sell, and find a small place in
town. It will be for the best."
Tears were rolling down her
mother's cheeks. Her words had cut
like knives. She was right. She had
no other alternative. Or did she?
That evening Carolyn walked the
entire perimeter of the farm, pausing
only to straighten a rail or pull a
weed. The air was fresh, the solitude
gratifying. She remembered
watching her father do the same years
ago, and wondered if she ever came
close to being the son he didn't have.
He was proud of her degrees, but how
much had his heart been into the land
after she had moved away? Without
someone to carry on, it must have
been hard for him to keep going. She
leaned against a fence and closed her
eyes. How on earth could she begin
to do the things he had done?
Planting, harvesting, calving,
machinery repairs — it was an
overwhelming task.
Suddenly the image of the little
girl trying to match her father's
footsteps came rushing back.
And she smiled, as she turned
towards home.0
That evening Carolyn walked
the entire perimeter of the
farm,
pausing only
to tighten a
rail or pull a
weed.
I was raised on a dairy farm
in West Luther Township
and I know first hand the
hardships faced by my
family and neighbours. Our
communities, our heritage,
are not a priority with
Conservatives or Liberals.
Now I'm a grievance officer
for my Hydro employees'
union. I am good at
speaking up for people.
I want to give my riding a
strong voice in Ottawa.
On October 25
VOTE -V Dan Heffernan
INVEST IN AGRICULTURE - The Conservative Free Trade deals are
not fair to Canadian farmers. Canada was built on rural community
values, family farms, and co-operatives. New Democrats, formerly CCF,
have always spoken up for farmers.
PHASE OUT GST - GST has hurt farmers and small businesses, as well
as shoppers - and it hasn't reduced the deficit!
PROTECT MEDICARE - New Democrats fought hard to get secure
health care, accessible to ALL.
FAIR TRADE, not Free Trade - Canadian farmers can be competitive on
their own terms. Canada can manage its own trade deals.
For a copy of the NDP's plan to rebuild Canada
or to make a tax deductible contribution to Dan, write to
Dan Heffernan Campaign, 480 Smith St., #3, Arthur NOG 1A0.
WELLINGTON-GREY-DUFFERIN-SIMCOE
848-5608 Arthur
. 445-1059 Collingwood
'% Canada's 424-1362 Creemore, Stayner
New Democrats Approved by ofiaal Agent Rita Heileman
OCTOBER 1993 31