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Second Place Winner, Level II - Andrew M. Bush
Des Moines
"The Fields of Home" by Ralph Moody

Dear Ralph,

 

            Over the summer I began reading your Little Britches series.  It was exciting to read during our summer vacation while we toured the area around Lake Michigan.  I walked through life with you as you moved to Colorado, your father died, you rode with Hi in the roundup, and lastly when you were on your grandfather's farm in Maine.  I especially enjoyed your book Fields of Home, and learned three valuable lessons from it.

            Looking at my life and the people around me I have noticed that obedience is something most people lack, including myself at times. You obeyed most of the time even when you didn't agree with the process.  Because of your obedience you learned to swing a scythe, raise a temper, hunt bees, make a trade, and more!  Because you "let your old grandpa show you how" you broadened your abilities.  Even though it is often easy to ignore or disregard instruction, I realize that older people have more life experiences and can teach me many things.  When my dad carefully describes how to play an E cord on the piano, I am listening carefully now, instead of tuning him out.

            Besides obedience I also noticed the importance of making peace.  Grandfather was often a selfish, arrogant, and prideful man.  When you made machines, he would break them; when you made screens for his windows, he tore them, and when you tried your best he would call you a "hopeless, tarnal fool boy."  But you put up with him, and even offered to help him when he acted this way, and loved him in spite of his actions.  Wow!  How did you do that?  Because of your peaceful attitude you got a love for the land and a love for farming.  Sometimes in life I am tempted to hurt my younger brothers when they are annoying, but your book has given me an example of the right way to act.  Even when it is hard, I know I can keep our home peaceful and develop strong friendships with my brothers if I will follow your example.

            You were an extremely hard worker.  Every morning you would get up early to work hard all day and sometimes end it with grandfather snoring next door while you kept working.  I saw the satisfaction you gained after a job was well done, and I want that same satisfaction.  I don't live on a farm, but I do live in a busy household.  I have three brothers.  It is easy to waste time in today's world, but you have taught me to work diligently in everything.

            Thank you, Ralph, for the lessons you have "learned" me.  Because of your life examples of obedience, peace, and hard work you have made me a better person.  Although your books haven't taught me proper grammar, they have taught me these valuable lessons.  I see that you eventually became a writer instead of a farmer.  Maybe someday I will follow in your footsteps.

 

                                                                                                            Your apprentice,

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Andrew Bush