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I spoke to my past co-worker, and friend Cindy Burris last week. I learned that she has a dear friend that is suffering from cancer. There have been a couple bouts from CT scans that showed aggressive growth from the cancer. Living in Indiana, it has become much harder for Cindy to visit her friend. Although I have only known Cindy for a little over a year, I know that when a friend is in trouble, Cindy is the friend that shows up.
Just last week, Cindy did something that I believe is the definition of a true friend. To support her friend suffering from cancer, Cindy made the bold decision to shave her hair. She posted the video live on Facebook to show her friend that she was there for her. To be honest, I am not 100% sure how I would feel about losing my hair. But I have to keep reminding myself that there may be a time where it may happen; due to circumstances out of my control. After learning what Cindy did for her friend, losing hair seems so insignificant. Kudos to Cindy!
Growing up in Mineral Point, I am fortunate to know that agricultural life still occupies a major portion of Iowa County. The farmers around this area I know are the kindest people I have ran into.
Just last night watching the news, I learned that a dairy farm milking parlor in Jefferson County broke down in flames due to unknown causes. While no dairy cattle were harmed in the fire, the herd of 500 was left without shelter. That was until another act of kindness came into play. Farmers from that area gathered their trucks and trailers and provided temporary shelter for the displaced dairy herd.
I understand that this incident was not in our great county of Southwest, WI. However, if this type of circumstance happened in Iowa County, the same act of kindness would have happened. Farmers work holidays, weekends, nights, and do not complain about the conditions they work in.
There are people out there that believe that farmers only see their animals as "money in their pocket." However to those people, I request that they review last nights news regarding that fire. In cold temperatures, the farming community came together to help a fellow farming family in need. They didn't see the cattle as property or profit makers, but instead as animals they share bonds with.
These two stories taught me one thing: People get over themselves, show their kindness, and show up when their friends or family are in trouble. These acts of kindness need to be embraced.