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teacher, and her students always participated in the scarecrow contest. Then there were the year-round attractions like the farm’s hamburgers. They were the simplest burgers you can imagine, but something about the smell and taste made everyone in town super nostalgic. You couldn’t leave without eating one. One of the best things about Bates Nut Farm was that you could always count on running into people you knew. No matter when you went, you’d run into old teachers, neighbors, classmates, or parents’
friends. It was a unique experience to take our kids. We got to experience what our parents did when we were kids and see our children make their own fun memories. Our celebrations probably made us look like a bunch of country bumpkins to outsiders — and maybe we were. But those autumns stand out in our memories for a reason. We haven’t been able to visit Bates Nut Farm for years, but it will always have a special place in our hearts.
around and try to guess how much the giant pumpkins weighed. Some customers’ faces would turn white when they saw the actual number, but they couldn’t disappoint their kids. Others bought pumpkins too large to fit inside their vehicles. They had to do a walk of shame back to the farm to exchange their pumpkin for a smaller size. The pumpkins weren’t the only attraction. There were also hay bale races, tractor rides, live music, and arts and crafts. Sierra’s mom was a
–Sierra and Kevin Bennett
Don’t Wait Until Tomorrow
Words left unsaid are often the most common regrets people experience at the end of their lives, and many grieving people wish they’d expressed their feelings to a lost loved one. We have every reason to avoid these pitfalls while we still can. Tell people how much you love them today to live a life with fewer regrets. There are many reasons we keep our feelings to ourselves. We might worry about being awkward or overly sentimental. In some cases, we’re afraid of rejection. And everyday life can trick us into taking people for granted. While we’re concerned about what others might think or stuck on autopilot, years can pass without us realizing it. In truth, there are extremely few good excuses not to tell people you care about them. Even in the case of rejection, it’s best not to wonder “what if.” But most people you love will accept your sentiments warmly. Few of us don’t enjoy hearing those we love care for us. Has anyone ever spoken kind words to you on a terrible day? It probably lifted your spirits considerably. You never know what other people are going through, and your affirming statements could come at the exact right
moment. Meanwhile, if your loved one is having a great day, your heartfelt feelings will only brighten it further.
It’s science! Oxytocin, the love hormone, reduces stress and helps build bonds. Positive words and touch
increase the chemical and make us feel good. Love also releases dopamine, which provides a euphoric feeling. Further, a study found that talking with a loved one is a slightly more effective energy boost than coffee. Saying “I love you” isn’t the only way to express yourself. Try being more specific. Tell someone why you’re so happy to have them in your life or what qualities you appreciate about them. These conversations are often more meaningful than those three magical words alone. The Lahaina fire was a tragic and traumatic reminder that we never know what the future will bring. Life is short; we may be here one day and gone tomorrow. And through everything, all we have is each other. What would you want your loved ones to know if this was your last day? Pick up the phone now and tell them.
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