Nancy Eberts – Eberts Harvesting Inc.
Myron and I have been in the custom harvesting business, and all that goes with it, for all 35 years of our marriage (not to mention the years he harvested prior to that). We have been privileged with countless friendships and even more memories.
Our harvesting family has always been as individual and heartfelt in our first year as in year 35. Truly a unique kind of lifestyle and people!
In the last two days, we attended the prayer service and funeral mass for not only a harvester but our friend and relative, David Wolf. We have known Dave and Janel since their beginning, so-to-speak. I can remember being at their wedding and how on the back of their shoes (for those attending mass to see) was written “Daisy” & “Cooter”
Today, David Wolf was laid to rest. He was driven to the cemetery by his son, Michael, and wife, Janel, on a beautiful black Peterbilt semi. It was a sunny and clear day, 28 degrees and 16 inches of snow covering the ground. The sight was simply unforgettable.
There are no words to describe how a harvester’s wife could handle or feel at that moment; but I know each and every one of us can imagine ourselves in her place.
So many miles and hours spent working and traveling the roads of these United States of America. While harvesting, trucking and doing business mile after beautiful mile, it was right at home where Janel’s life changed in an instant.
I have been in their “home on the road” on numerous occasions. I have visited with them in Walmarts and grocery stores all across the fly over states and, especially, that Kiowa, Kansas trailer park! Janel would always offer to help, cheer you up or simply laugh as we compared husbands and kids on the road.
There are no words; only aches and many continued prayers for this harvester’s wife. In this industry, we deal with many levels of stress. As wives, we are able to pinch hit in many circumstances. We have been seasoned to keep pressing forward, but how do you handle this? I don’t know…but I do know that today, Janel greeted me with a big hug and a smile, as did Michael. It was as though that hug was all that was needed. From one harvester to another; above and beyond anything anyone but one of us would know.
I saw our sons shed tears and give hugs that needed no words, simply an embrace from one harvester to another. You just can’t help but think that raising our families on the harvest was worth every trail, every adventure and each and every emotion felt over the years.
I admired the composure and love I saw with Janel and Michael. Their pride and love for Dave, who was husband, father, harvester and trucker shone like the chrome on the stacks of that beautiful Peterbilt.
Ladies, hug those around you! Let everyone know what you do and how you do it for the fact that we are able to be doing it together, as a family, is a once in a lifetime opportunity!
