May 2023

There are certain “rites of passage” that we must all go through in life; moments in our life where we recognize that until I learn a certain skill or have a particular experience, I haven’t truly reached my full potential. All of us who grew up on a farm, (but I would dare to bet even if you did not), know that one of these “rites of passage” by which you find that you have attained another level of prestige and social prowess is the ability or skill to successfully back up a trailer. We know that this is a skill that looks like it should be so easy to master; we have seen our brothers, sisters, parents, neighbors, and even grandparents do it time and time again. However, once we find ourselves in the driver- seat and throwing the truck or tractor into reverse, we truly become aware of the great skill, technique, and finesse that is involved with backing up a trailer. A skill, that no matter how hard others try, with the best of intentions, cannot be explained (and their help really is not helpful). It is a skill that must be learned all on its own. However, once we go through all the heartache, frustration, and embarrassment to master this skill, it really becomes for us a badge of pride that we are ready to pull out at a moments notice!