Neighbor

One of my neighbors out here in Benjamin has been around since this little place started. His grandfather and his grandfather's two brothers were among the first immigrants to move in. His father lived and farmed out here in Benjamin and he currently lives in his father's home.

Dick is an older man with a hand like leather and even though he is breaking 80 years old you still wonder if he squoze just a bit more if he could break your hand. Dick has worked hard all his life and has gradually sold off most of the old farm. He now has just a couple of acres and a garden.

His garden is his pride and joy. It's always neat and clean with everything in perfect rows and not a weed to be found. Dick would drive by towards the end of Summer or start of Fall with the back of his truck full of produce.

C'mon over and grab something

he'd tell us. Then he'd complain we didn't take enough. Dick was always generous and even shared that he enjoys the garden because he gets to talk to his neighbors because of it.

Last night, Dick wandered away from home and died near the slew. I know I will miss Dick driving by to jaw at me a bit. I never met his children, but I know his dogs will miss him, too.

Goodbye, Dick.