Leaving the Farm

Words & Photography
by Lara Miller



We've had precious days of relaxing around the fire, laughs around the table and wanders around the property. It was bittersweet leaving the farm. We all knew it was most likely the last time my grandparents would be able to do the long car ride and unsettling of routine. Age and sickness try to rob their dignity and deny us the sparkle in their eyes, but we all hold on tight to the love, giggles and memories.

These are facts of life and we accept them. But every now and then the knot twists in your chest painfully. With my grandparents in the truck with us, we drove up the long driveway to the gate. My mum and her siblings clutched at the last moments, riding in the tray and hanging off the sides of the truck like kids, while my uncle zoomed past on the quad bike and the dogs happily joined in the race.

Age and sickness try to rob their dignity and deny us the sparkle in their eyes, but we all hold on tight to the love, giggles and memories.

Through my smile I fought back the tears. These days were my grandpa's wish, and all of us were thrilled to be there making his 91st birthday dream come true, and to share these special family times. Our hearts beat for their pain and their joy.