Plop Plop Fizz Fizz Oh What a Relief It Is!

Dear Family and Friends - I'm not sure I could have ever imagined what a release of feelings and emotions occurred after Greg and I sat down and talked about what has just happened. The feeling of relief and stress and the weight off our shoulders was complete when the sale was over, but what we were both surprised about was that neither of us teared up much during the day - watching the auction process - watching the machinery leave the yard - we both thought would be alot harder. I think that just proves that we were both so ready for this to happen. I much longer than Greg of course , but he was so ready too. Leading up to the day was so much work and worry about the timing of it mostly - we needed to get a certain figure out of it and did we do enough to make that happen?? Would people show up? Would the weather cooperate? Did the farmers have enough money to spend b/4 the end of the year? Would they just be looking for deals? So many questions. The Steffes were the best convincing us it was the right time and they were right. We exceeded our goals - some pieces went low, but then others went high to offset it. All in all we are so pleased with the outcome. Now we just wait and see - meet with our tax advisor - see how all this shakes out - and plan the rest of our lives. I can't wait to see where this all goes. I'd like to be able to post some pics of the day - but THANKFULLY Tim Keckler has all the pics! I was so relieved to see his camera around his neck that morning - I was going to try and take pics but no one does it like he does - and we saw some of those pics later that nite and they were great!! He will make us a DVD of all of them and we will cherish it forever. Thanks Tim!!!

Now - it's time for the thank you that I wanted to say to everyone that nite at the party, but couldn't get out without the "ugly cry face" - so here it goes. We can never thank our family enough for all the support that we have gotten over the years. First and most important - ANDREW - without him and his financial planning knowledge and support of his father's long decision process - I don't think this would have ever happened. He took us by the hand and made us believe that this was all possible and we can never thank him enough. Greg can now take the rest of his life and decide what he wants to do with it - without the stress of farming hanging on his shoulders. There will still be money decisions to be made of course - we can't just sit back and sip umbrella drinks on the beach - but he can decide what he wants to do to make him happy for the rest of his life. That in turn will lengthen his life and then also lengthen mine. I can't imagine my life without him, and I was always so worried that farming would kill him somehow - the stress, and the fact that he was always alone in a terribly dangerous job. Andrew will help us manage all of this (yes folks - he's very good at his job 701-361-0661) and we will rely on him for the rest of our lives!! Thank you our number one son. RUSS - After Brian died and the whole family was reeling - you stepped in and helped Greg with his last farming season. Both Russ and Andrew took time away from their full time jobs and helped Greg get the spring work done and then the harvest from hell that wouldn't end - they were both there through it all! Russ, Greg couldn't have done it without you there and we thank you so much. You are the best and we both love you (and your crazy sense of humor) very much! DAD (WAYNE) You were also there offering your help whenever necessary to run the tractor or whatever Greg needed you to do. When it came time to get ready for the sale, Greg never doubted that you would come out and help if he called and he knew he could count on you to do whatever job he gave you without complaint. Your advice, support, and love will always be remembered and appreciated. JENNIFER, MIKE, BILLIE, MARK, TIM, RICHARD, JOSH, DAVE, SHORTY, MOM when we called in the troops to work cleaning, polishing, vaccuming, picking up food, buying groceries, cooking, apple pie, meatballs, wings, cleaning up the shop afterwards, and general LOVE AND SUPPORT, we don't know how to say thank you for all you did. You are always there for us whatever we need and we love you all so so much. We have the best family in the world and feel like the luckiest people on earth right now. Thank you all.