Hello CSA members, The other day I was driving past one of the on farm houses with a load of Red Kale on the back of my pickup when I heard a loud whistle come from the doorstep of the house. A smile crept across my face and I looked over to see Gerardo standing with a Coca Cola in his swollen hand, a walking boot on his left leg, his other hand waving me down to come visit. I threw it in park and went to see my friend, recounting the events of 10 days prior with a healthy dose of both gratefulness and contrition.
Gerardo was finishing off a big day in the squash field. Bringing down the final load for the evening around 7 o’clock. When my phone rang with a call from Victor I figured he was letting me know they were finished and heading down to the main farm. Not the case.
“Nathan, Gerardo crashed.”
“What??”
“The tractor is crashed, on its side”
“WHAT?? Is Gerardo okay?!?”
“I’m bringing him to you now.”
Then the call dropped. 40 minutes later Gerardo was in a helicopter heading to the hospital. My throat still feels tight when I think of the looks on everyone’s faces as we watched the paramedics put Gerardo onto the stretcher.
By what I can only describe as divine intervention, I was able to share a coke with Gerardo that day on the doorstep and we reviewed his doctor appointment and a timeline for him coming back to work. Some bad bruising and a sprained ankle are the only physical marks we have to remember that night by, but the memory of it will stick with all of us for all our lives. The sentiment around the farm is of overwhelming thankfulness that Gerardo is okay, and extreme awareness of how quickly things can change and how important it is to be attentive and mindful working in the farming industry.
Gerardo, recovering at his house last week
I encourage all of you to take a deep breath, slow down and hold your loved ones a little tighter. Life is short and anything can change in an instant.
Sincerely,
Nathan Manfull
Operations Supervisor
