Legends of the Fall

The Farm

        A legend began this past weekend. It is the legacy of my maternal grandfather, Robert E. Sharp. One that will be passed down from generation to generation about a hard-working farmer who lived in the same town for 90 years of his life. He grew up on horses, then graduated to a buggy, and eventually a pickup truck. He told me stories of getting paid a nickel a day for delivering lunch pails on horse to workers when he was a young boy. He grew up during the Great Depression, which left him with tendencies even in his nineties such as saving every plastic bag and paper plate he used. He joined the Navy in World War II. I asked why he picked that specific branch of the military, and he said if he was going to die, he would rather die drowning than alternative ways. He married my grandma and had three wonderful children, one of them being my mommy. He farmed and ranched the rest of his life.
        Every summer I can remember we always took a trip to visit grandpa and my cousins in Kansas. When I was a little girl, I rode to the farm with grandpa and he would let me ride on his horse while he drove the truck and held on to the reins. I remember going to coffee with him and always getting hot chocolate. I felt so special that grandpa would take me to coffee- that was serious business, and serious old men were in attendance. He remembered every birthday and Christmas and always sent the nicest cards. Grandpa's house was a place for peace and quiet on the edge of town. This is where I gained an appreciation for bird watching on the back porch while breathing in the fresh scent of the cool morning dew. Mom always made fresh gooseberry pie when we were at Grandpa's, and we ate more than our fair share of meat and potatoes. I always looked forward to the local Mexican food restaurants, Grandpa always got the same thing- Beef Monterrey with hot sauce. I always got beef enchiladas topped with queso and mild sauce. It was the little things I loved about visiting Grandpa when I was younger.

This summer I had the privilege of living with Grandpa for a month and a half. My husband's job was nearby, so instead of living out of a suitcase at a hotel, we were able to stay with him. I learned a lot about the cattle business, cooking, and cleaning. I was privileged to attend several cattle sales with Grandpa, where I had a slight glimpse inside his world. When he wasn't at the sale, he was telling me from across the house to "Turn up that radio- I need to listen to the market." While I still don't understand the rambling man that rattles off market prices, my ears always perk up when I hear the market announced on the radio. Grandpa was also on the phone as much as my mom is- and that is a lot! He was always discussing the sale or the market with other local cattle ranchers. Again, this is a foreign language to me, but it gave me an appreciation for everything that goes into the agriculture business. 

Grandpa walking back to the car after a cattle sale. 90 years old! 

Grandpa on the phone at night with his good friend Johnny that called every night to check on him and discuss cattle and weather. 

Grandpa was known for his extremely hard work ethic. He instilled that in his children, and they did in their children (us). His mental toughness taught us we can survive anything if we put our minds to it. He told my husband and I that our generation doesn't know what hard work is- and I believe it! 

The legacy my grandfather left was one of labor and love. He loved the land bestowed upon him by his ancestors, and spent his life honoring their efforts and livelihoods. He built everlasting relationships with cattlemen across the Midwest, and will always be remembered. He loved his family and cared deeply about his children, even when he was in his nineties! He still worried about my mom driving home, or when I was going to get back from a trip. Grandpa loved the Lord and made sure He was a priority in his life. 

Grandpa Sharp, a man of few words whose actions touched the lives of many. Tell Grandma hi :-)