Our Rural Roots

Tiffany Dowell Lashmet, Progressive Farmer Contributor

Recently, my children were discussing teachers at school when my son assured my daughter that she will like the third grade next year because of a specific teacher, Mrs. Fangman. "She likes the people who are different," my son explained. That one sentence really stopped me in my tracks.

The difference my son referenced was the fact that he shows farm animals and other kids don't, but the same concept can apply to so many scenarios. What a great role model this teacher is for my children. What a gift that they have someone at school who they know likes them, even though they might be different from the norm.

The kids who have learning disabilities or those who are extremely shy or who others consider to be nerdy can find a place in her classroom. I think about kids who come from difficult family situations, enjoy uncommon hobbies or who might have different thoughts or beliefs than the other children at school. What a wonderful thing it must be for them to know that at least one person in their life likes them for exactly who they are. I can't help but think about what that simple encouragement to be themselves could do for a 9-year-old's heart.

Then, I thought about the people in my life who are different and what a gift they have been to me. I have friends of all backgrounds. One collects taxidermy opossums. Another is a vegetarian who makes an exception for bacon. I have friends on completely opposite ends of the political spectrum. I have attended funerals of people who I loved in Jewish synagogues and Catholic churches, and gravesides with no preacher in sight.

I am also grateful for the people who like the slightly wacky or serious side of what makes me be me. Learning from the differences is worth embracing.

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Tiffany Dowell Lashmet juggles family, farming, writing, livestock and a career in ag law from the Texas Panhandle. Follow her blog at https://alwaysafarmkid.com/… and on Instagram alwaysafarmkid and X @TiffDowell.

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