Written by:
Hunter Michael Bishop--grandson--2010
Service With a Smile
Down in my slightly drafty basement, my Grandpa Evans sits patiently, as I begin our interview. I can feel myself sinking into the comfortable, tan couches as Grandpa Evans starts to tell his story in his gruff but cheerful voice. He tells of his life growing up on the farm, telling me that he was “bound and determined to do [his work]” there. He has always been a dedicated worker; what some would call a ‘true American’. But he has a drive for his work, and a heavy willingness to do it. His bright and alive eyes bore into me when he starts to tell me of his life, and I begin to understand and know him more than I ever have before. I’ve always known he was a splendid worker; one who never gives up. But as we got talking, I began also to learn his humbleness about his service, whatever it may be, and how willing he was to do it.
Raised on a farm from 9 years of age to his college years, Bruce Evans lead his early life with hard labor and some big responsibilities laying on his shoulders. The first few years on the farm, Bruce’s father helped him become acquainted with the types of jobs and services needed on the farm. At about age 14, Bruce came into charge of taking care of the crops and milking the cows while his parents were away; something that would never be taken lightly by a farmer. This job took him about 6-8 labor-infused hours everyday, making it a very big responsibility for a 14-year-old. Bruce Evans also helped take care of all his younger siblings. In his humble and poor family, he was the oldest of 4. Not all too many for a cliché “oldest sibling cares for his oh-so-many younger siblings,” but Bruce’s family could not really afford any more children. Of his parents, Bruce said, “You really get your values from your parents. Hard-working attitude and that. Cause they worked hard, but they never accumulated that much. When they died all they had was the land or the house my mother lived in.”
Despite these income problems, Bruce and his father strived to keep the farm well tended. Bruce was also, and still is, a great lover of sports. However, he had to stay and help his father with work on the farm most of his extra hours, so his dad never let him join any sports until his senior year. Of this he said, “I hold no regrets against him or anything. Cause he needed help and I was the oldest son.” So Bruce Evans sacrificed his much-loved sports to provide for his family. His work ethic and willingness to serve came from his sacrifices and experiences on the farm. He said, “I can’t think of any negative values growing up on the farm,” And indeed, growing up on a farm may even yield physical benefits, like immunity to allergy or irritation (Eriksson, 1).
Hunter is two years old in this picture. He is getting his teethed cleaned by his dentist---aka---grandpa Evans!
September 2011--Hunter Bishop with his grandparents
No comments:
Post a Comment