On 'Horseloggers,' Hospice and a memorable tomato harvest

For writers, as in any occupation, some weeks are better than others. Once and while, an often boring and mundane routine work schedule of meetings and events takes a turn for the better when an intriguing story presents itself or an opportunity arises to meet new and interesting individuals.

That was the case this past week - both on a personal and professional basis.

A call from a Kloeckner relative, Evelyn Weiland, started Monday off on a high note. The family genealogist - and just plain, nice lady - called to say that she was entertaining some unique guests whose presence afforded unusual story material.

'Horselogger,' Rick Hinman, and his team of Percheron draft horses were at Evelyn's Westphalia Township farm, thinning out the woodlot "the old-fashioned way." As an added bonus, Carl Gillies - and his team of Haflingers, a breed of heavy draft ponies - were also at the job site.

My visit to Evelyn's woodlot that afternoon proved to be a truly enjoyable - and educational - experience. The hot, late summer sun was cooled by the breeze that blew gently through the maple, beech, ash, cherry and other trees in the woodlot as the teams of horses - and their drivers - moved logs in preparation for inspection by potential timber buyers.

It was a great way to spend a day - outdoors in the woods, walking with a Kloeckner 'cousin' and learning all the ins and outs of 'horselogging' from Rick and Carl - both of whom were very talkative and well informed about their equine friends.

Although no family members were involved in what turned out to be another rewarding story assignment, information about Hospice and its Family Fun Night fundraiser - and the message delivered via interviews with Linda Bryant and Colleen Koenigsknecht - struck a nerve. Like their families, myself and our family members had the occasion to experience the loving care of Hospice staff during the illness and subsequent passing of my father, Clemens Kloeckner, this past May.

It's impossible to adequately express the gratitude we all have for the many, many wonderful individuals who are part of the Hospice program here in Clinton County. As both Linda and Colleen said, Hospice made death a "beautiful experience" for their loved ones.

My family echoes that sentiment. We celebrated my father's truly blessed life through his death here at home - and Hospice made that possible.

Working in the garden - another event of the week - resurrected those feelings once again. There's a bumper crop of tomatoes - creating lots and lots of canning.

In past years, my dad would have been out in the garden helping pluck the plump and juicy tomatoes and later supervising the canning process that my mother, Marcella, had a hand in. That was not the order of business this September.

A feeling of sorrow continues to be part of this year's gardening venture. Yet, even in the midst of sadness, a sense of joy - and hopefulness about future gardens - is appearing.

My father's spirit was present, and my mother, who is settling in at Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor, was able to fulfill her usual task of peeling tomatoes during a 'leave of absence' from the caring Manor staff as we worked together - with the help of a 'rookie canner' in a new environment. The batches of tomato juice produced from the bounty of the garden will be especially enjoyed this winter as a result of that love which is a vital part of life's recipe.

I am thankful for that.