Made a friend W/my 8N, lost him this week.

Since then, besides working my land, I have Bush-hogged my neighbors field with it each year.

Mr.Reece was an 86 year old former cotton/corn farmer. Nothing big, just about 5 acres. Three years ago, after we first moved next to him, he suffered the first of several strokes. He could'nt get around too good after that and his fields had grown over pretty good. Since I had just bought my new toy,(8N),I volunteered to clean his field up with it. His face lit up like a Christmas Tree, and he said"...You just go right ahead an'do what ever you want..." So I cut his field. He sat and watched me the whole time, and the look on his face when I was done was worth it all. He'd brag on my little ol' tractor, and how good it ran. I guess he liked to see the look on my face too.

Old farmers hate to see a field not being worked, (I did'nt know that before, now I do).
If I missed a few clumps of grass or weeds along a terrace close to his house, Mr. Reece would get his hoe and slowly walk out and cut them down. His wife told me this week that he love it cause he felt he was still able to work his land, even if it was only cutting down a little grass.

Mr. Reece died this week after a massive stroke. I'm glad that I got to visit him in the hospital before he left for home. He could'nt talk, but as I was talking to him he reached up with his left hand, grabbed mine, and smiled. He let me know he knew me and knew what I was saying to him.

This is my memory and tribute to Mr. Reece Cobb, my neighbor and my friend, an old farmer from South Carolina.

"...now thats right!..."

Nice Story

My grandfather died in 1960. I was 10 when he died. Before he died, he had an 8N that he bought new to farm his 12 acre farm in Southern Arkansas. I remember sitting in his lap while he plowed (I know this wouldn't be considered safe now a days, but we still did it). We spent many an hour like this. It is one of my fondest memories.

Thanks for bringing back old memories,
Danny

All is well - You have not lost anything. You have gained the respect and love of a man who last days were made so much more enjoyable and fulfilled by your friendship.

Thanks for sharing - Cherish those moments. Andy