07/06/2021
Most who follow our family know that back at the beginning of April, Mikey fell and did a real doozie on his leg and ankle that required surgery and for him to be laid up for the last 3 months. We scrambled to try and find a means for getting the cows milked daily. We as family, did the best we could for about 8 weeks with the help of family friend Allen Bassler. Allen continues to help us and has been a Godsend for sure!! Then one day, a young 16-year-old from Ohio messaged us and expressed interest in moving to VA for a month or two to help us and hopefully learn a thing or two himself. While we were a bit hesitant at first, we really had no other options and decided to give it a try. It didn't take but about an hour to see that this young man would be a perfect fit for our farm and our family. At his young age, he could do about anything we asked of him. He milked, he treated cows and calves. He fixed everything that broke, he moved heifers, he tended to dry cows and he became the eyes and ears for Mikey who was stuck at home. He filled a void for us when we were desperate, and he did it with ease and such grace. More importantly, he became family to us. He moved in with Mom and Mikey and ate every meal with the family. He became Baby Tanner's best buddy, attended family birthday parties, 5th grade graduations, went on evening boat rides with Claire and Justin and their crew. He even vacationed in the OBX with us for several days before he departed to head back home to tend to his own animals and get ready for his county fair. We never dreamed it would be so hard to see him go but last night was full of many tears and today, an empty hole is left in many hearts at Waverly. Tanner is looking for his best buddy, Mikey called AJ before the sun rose this morning to hear his voice and all the rest of us just have swollen eyes from many tears. AJ, you were a lifesaver for our farm and our family. Your work ethic made us feel like God blessed us with your presence. He always blesses us; we just have to learn to look for those blessings. Your heart made us lucky to have met you. You will forever be a part of our family. We hope you know how much we appreciate everything you did for us and how much you will be missed. You will always be loved and be our family. Maybe Mimi’s sweet tea will bring you back to Virginia one day! It has been hard seeing our cows leave and it was hard seeing you leave. Please know we love and miss you!
