I grew up on a farm in Minnesota in the 1970s. Life was all about hard work and family. We learned the value of getting our hands dirty early on, helping out with chores from sunup to sundown.
Farming taught me the importance of perseverance. Some years, the weather was on our side, and the crops flourished. Other years, we faced setbacks, like droughts or pests. But we never gave up. We'd find ways to adapt and keep the farm going.
Our community was tight-knit. During busy times, neighbors pitched in without hesitation. We'd come together for barn raisings or help each other out with harvesting. It was all about supporting one another.
Growing up, we didn't have fancy gadgets or social media. Our entertainment was exploring the fields and forests, using our imagination to create adventures. We learned to appreciate the simple things in life and the importance of face-to-face connections.
Nowadays, things have changed. Technology rules the world, and young people are glued to their screens. But deep down, I think we still share some of the same values. We all want to make a difference and leave the world a better place.