14 Comments
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Nick Coleman's avatar

Wow, that gave me the shivers, too close to home. Good to read another piece from you Adam. Great writing.

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Tina Dixon's avatar

Oh, I know this too well. I have a brother that tolerated alot of crap for years, then lost his shit one night at the bar. If you want to read that one, here's the link: https://tinadixon1.substack.com/p/understanding-why?r=1fmq4q

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Trent Klarenbach's avatar

This is a great story!

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The Goaty Thistle's avatar

Man this was way too familiar. I've worked with too many who are balancing on a razor's edge.

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Denise OBrien's avatar

Chilling story. Thank you for sharing.

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Julie Snider's avatar

Adam, I appreciate the raw honesty in your writing. I felt like I was watching the whole scenario from about two feet away. Nice.

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Stacy Boone's avatar

A story that isn't a story but the truth that needs to be heard. The fine line of simply trying to make it through a single day, the rawness of it all - handled against palm, beer on the lips, anger just below the surface brewing.

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Tim Connolly's avatar

Good to hear your voice again Adam. Writing like you bumped your head hard and rub it to make it feel better. I get you friend.

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Julie and Lurko in Mexico's avatar

Adam, I keep thinking about what you wrote a while ago about farmers having a tough time with mental health. Times are tough and getting tougher. We all need to find ways to cope. Ever consider writing up a list of mental health resources? It would carry more weight, I think, if the list came from a fellow farmer.

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Adam T Kuznia's avatar

Julie, you're right. It would probably carry more weight if it came from someone who has lived it.

I’ve thought about doing something like that, but the hard part is … out here, there aren’t many resources. Sure, we’ve got hotlines and the occasional support group, but when you’re knee-deep in the muck, most folks don’t reach for a brochure; they reach for the bottle or the pipe.

It’s not a pretty truth, but it’s why I keep writing about this stuff. Because maybe, someone out there sees it and feels a little less alone.

Thank you so much for reading. I appreciate your input. 🌱

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Tanja Westfall-Greiter's avatar

So powerful, Adam. And that being one bad week from snapping is all too true. It's exactly what life felt like on our farm.

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Helen Freeman's avatar

Adam I’ve missed your writing! This is such a great piece so raw and honest!

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Suzan Erem's avatar

Oh man, I get it Adam. Thank you. Very well written. My brother, my mother - I knew a lot of drunks growing up and all the lies they tell. But learning how to duck? That was MY survival skill!

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Rosemary Siipola's avatar

Another thoughtful piece, close to home for many. I’ll never look at sunflower seeds the same way again, that’s for sure.

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