“I hope this isn’t rude to say, but after two and a half hours with you guys on the farm, I have no idea which kids are yours and which kids are fosters.”

My friend asked if his friends could bring their blended family to the farm for a visit.

Today the nine of them came.

I’m always sensitive to “foster” because it was used as a pejorative when I was a kid. “You’re a foster, you can’t eat that, have that, do that, go there” ...

I was in my 30s and had friends who fostered before I realized there were positive aspects —in spite of the sad.

I spent my whole childhood hoping I’d see my brother again and this couple took in FOUR kids to keep a family together. “Anything you want” is basically what I told the mom.

Pick the day and the time. I’ll make sure it’s a fun visit.

We started with a compost lesson.

We toured my farm, I answered eleventy four questions, and 7 kids displayed great manners in spite of the excitement of the visit.

We made sun prints.

We walked the fields, inspected insects.

We tasted cranberry hibiscus, lemon balm, stevia (more please) and mint.

Nine bouquets— watching the kids go back to the field for “one more yellow flower” or “a pink one like hers” gave me a case of the feels. Then? They each shared their favorite part of the visit and I’m telling you, my heart.

I grow flowers but it felt like a field of love today.