When I think of my Grandpa, I think first of his hands. Large strong hands that held me as a child; hands that are rough from industry, and weathered from the wind and cold. Hands that are still at work making ropes and handing out a message of God’s love. His hands represent one of my first ideas of strength and power. A Grandpa is a man who can do anything!

So it is with this idea of my Grandpa's hands that I wrote "The Farmer." I see in his hands not only strength, but the things that have made him strong: patience, hope and love. At the heart of these attributes is his Faith.

My Grandpa helped his father start a new ranch during the Great Depression. Originally the family was quite wealthy, but the stock market crash and the depression changed all that. As the eldest son, Ralph and his father scouted out new land - looking for a green valley. Which they found! I am so blessed to have had so many weekends out at that farm with my grandparents. What a lovely place for childhood.

During the war years, Ralph was rejected for service as a soldier due to his legs (I believe some kind of circulation problem). I know this must have been a very difficult time for him, as he was so willing to go. He does not talk about it much. He did however end up serving the war effort by farming. Canada fed much of war torn Europe at that time. It is amazing how our little country contributed so much! My Grandpa is still so proud of his country.

After the war, he married my grandmother Lydia. It was a brief courtship and after a few months he showed her his little shack on the ranch. (It had an apple box nailed to the wall for dishes!) She looked around and said that it would do and soon after they were married. (My Grandma always was gracious.)

My Grandpa remained a farmer all his life, adding school bus driving and various youth ministries to his schedule. He is an unbending man. However, we always know where he stands. I think this is a rare quality in present times.

"The Farmer" is my tribute to his inspiring life of 90 years. I have tried to use some of his own words. The hymn at the end, "It Is Well With My Soul" is his favourite song. Today I truly believe that this hymn represents his life and that it is indeed very well with Ralph's soul. There is nothing more beautiful than a life well lived.

(Becky Anderson can also be found as part of the group F&M: fandmtheband.com)