Neighbors

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by Wes Hardin, November 16, 2000

Farming is a way of life here - satisfying, but hard, even when everyone in the family is in the best of health. When the man of the family is unable to work, the consequences are devastating. This mural tells the tale of a farmer who broke his back. His wife stays at his bedside to care for him, and the burden of the farmwork falls on their young children. The little girl feeds the chickens, mules and cows. Her brother's task is to work the fields.

At planting time, the children get up at dawn to begin their chores. As the brother hitches up the mule to head to the fields, he hears a noise. He looks up and beholds twelve wagon-loads of people bearing tools and food. The visitors jump down and get to work. And at the end of the day, the fields are planted and the chores that had been put off are all caught up. "It was my neighbors who did not turn their backs and that makes God smile."

Mural Location:

East Main Street