The affliction that resides in my lower back has begun to recede like the gradual basal sliding of a mountain glacier, changing my very bedrock as she glissades into the background. Rufus observes my lighter disposition and more frequent smiles, saying I seem like a different person as I come out from under the burden of the ever present pain. I’m hopeful as I glimpse a farming future with more physical ease, and it makes me smile, indeed.

~Joy