AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Callan and I move over next to John, a safe distance from where the blaze is about to go up. It’s a huge, old barn with the roof partially caved in. As much as I love burns, it also makes me a little sad to see something burn down that someone took so much care and time to build.
“You two sure know how to liven up the day,” John says with a chuckle.
“I’m sure that was quite amusing to watch,” I tell him.
“I’ll never look at eggs the same way again,” Callan says. The man’s covered in grime from head to toe. I like this rumpled look to him. It really turns me on. I look away. No one needs to see me looking like I want to jump him.
We continue to chat as the fire is lit and the huge barn goes up in flames. It’s gorgeous and a little sad. I don’t know what to say as John looks forward, his face a mixture of sadness and acceptance.
“Quite the sight, isn’t it?” John quietly asks.
“It’s a little sad,” I admit.
He gives me a smile. “It’s sad to see it go, but it’s time. I don’t want anyone getting hurt, and it’s caving in. This was built by my great-great-great-grandfather. He settled this land in the beginning wave to the west. He always wanted to be a farmer.” The flames really start to crackle and dance in front of us, and I can see John is thinking of all of his years here.
“I’d love to hear more,” I tell him, hoping to distract him from the historic building going up in flames.
“Jeremiah was one of the earliest settlers here in California, but he had no desire to hunt for gold. He came here, seeking a better life. He was truly a hardworking man who had a clear vision of the future. He knew the land here was fertile and he wanted to build something that would last for many generations.”
“Well, his dreams came true because you’re still here,” I say.
He smiles. “He started out with a couple of hundred acres and a bigger dream. This barn was built with his own two hands and the help of his neighbors. Back then they had barn raisings where all of the neighbors came and helped each other. A deal was done with a handshake and everyone worked hard to build their dreams. There weren’t all of these gadgets we have today. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate my tractor, but there’s so much meaning in crafting something with a lot of hard work and sweat.”
“I agree. I’ll bet it was beautiful,” I tell him.
“This barn was the heart of the farm, a place where memories were made and stories are still being told,” John says.
My heart grows with this story. It’s truly heart-warming and it’s more than clear how much John loves and appreciates his family, even those he didn’t get to meet in person. Family is everything. I’ve lost a lot of mine, but Aunt Eileen is my hero.
“Was it always a chicken farm?” Callan asks.
John chuckles, his eyes crinkling at the corners. A lot of years in the hot California sun has aged him, but the lines speak of a life of laughter and a happiness. I think they make him beautiful.
“No, he tried out a little bit of everything. We have many fruit trees, a huge garden, pigs, goats, and have even had cows here. But my granddad decided on chickens, and that’s been our staple income ever since. We sell some of the fruit, but keep the majority of it. We don’t like going to the store too much,” John says.
“I’d love to garden. Whenever I go to the farmers market the produce is so much crisper and delicious than the stuff I get from the store,” I tell him.
“I fully agree. I’ve seen many changes through the years, but one thing that’s always remained the same is this land. It’s a real home and it sustains our family. Our oldest grandson works here every day, which gives me true joy. He’ll carry on the family tradition and this farm will live on for at least another couple of generations,” John says.
“That’s wonderful,” I tell him. There’s a crashing sound as the barn caves in from the flames eating away at it. I understand why it needs to come down, but knowing the story of the land makes it sadder to see it go. This family is the embodiment of resilience and perseverance. They are everything I aspire to be.
“We went in and grabbed a lot of the original wood and have had a wonderful time with the grandchildren making art projects. We’ve made picture frames, cabinets, and tables. So the main structure might be down, but the wood that was handcrafted by my ancestor will stay around for many more years,” John says. “It’s in some of the kids’ homes now, which is wonderful.”
“That’s incredible. What a great idea,” I tell him.
“We even etched the wood so future generations will know where it came from.”
“I wish everyone would value their heritage as much as you. I’d love to see some of the pieces sometime,” I tell him.
“I’ll have to show you,” John says, beaming at me.
We go silent as we watch the firefighters work tirelessly to control the blaze, their voices crackling over the roar of the powerful flames. It’s about time for them to start hosing it all down.
The chief looks over and smiles. “Hey, Callan, want to learn something?”
Callan smiles at the man. “I’d love to.”
“Come on over.” Callan walks closer to the flames where several firemen have a large hose set up. I watch as the chief lifts it and places it into Callan’s hands. What in the world are they doing?
