Gifts my father gave me

Pop came in from the fields to get lunch one spring day and casually said, “It’s about time for the first strawberry to get ripe.” I dashed out of the house to the strawberry field, walking up and down the rows and “Yes!” I picked the half-ripe strawberry and ran to the house.

“First Strawberry”
painting by Je’ Czaja

“Look! I found one!” I yelled. “How about that,” Pop said, smiling.

Later that year Pop came in and casually said, “It’s about time for the Hereford to have her calf.” I dashed past the Magic Barn, through the Enchanted Orchard to the clearing in the pasture. “Yes!” There was a beautiful calf, curled up in the sun, its mama watching me closely.

I ran back to the house with the news. “She had her calf!” I yelled. “How about that,” Pop said, “Bull or heifer calf?” How could I be…