I spoke with several mothers today at this morning’s markets. In each case, the women are farmwives managing, or having just managed, to look after ailing husbands.
What struck me is this: Rural and isolated, farming families inadvertently address their isolation by coming to market. They get to know their customers (some of whom are doctors). Others are simply individuals interested in their well-being. I witness hugs, concerned conversations, and smiles. What may have begun as a commercial venture to sell at market becomes a social one.
This got me thinking: How visible and social is my mother on this Mother’s Day weekend? And how about yours? Don’t worry, there’s still enough time to make it to market to pick up cut flowers or a tub of Creole cream cheese to brighten your mother’s day.
For the WWNO Farmers Market Minute, this is Richard McCarthy.