First Day Back
By Phoebe Lisle
Phoebe Lisle
Legacy Farms Writing Apprentice, and her Service Dog, Olive
This was our first day back, a long awaited moment for many; and everyone seemed to jump right back into the rhythms of last year. As I was documenting the day with pictures and assisting with interviews, I witnessed so many wonderful things happening all at once; and before you assume, no, I’m not necessarily talking about the tasks in the garden.
I saw the Legacy family come together in one group for the first time this year. There were so many long-standing program participants, and a few new faces too! I saw friends that gave long-awaited hugs and high-fives, and others that took time to settle in. Everybody was engaged- whether they were taking a mindful moment for themselves or connecting with others.
Photo by Phoebe L.
As we started our day, I realized just how many moving pieces there are to run our farm. There were several groups, all assigned different tasks, but working together towards the same goal— getting the farm ready for the growing season. I got to see people who didn’t know each other working in teams together, as well as groups that have rapport jumping back into the swing of things.
I think my favorite thing to witness though, was seeing everyone being their true selves. I audibly chuckled walking through the garden this morning and hearing all of the conversations going on. One group went from talking about surgery, to how being the youngest sibling gets you more stuff. Another group was talking about their favorite plants, as a different one talking with a new apprentice about what brought them to the farm. There was so much enthusiasm and joy emanating from everyone around me. Everyone, even those who don’t talk much, seemed to be engaged with one another.
As a neurodivergent person, I have felt the struggle to find “my people.” It’s a common theme we, as neurodivergent individuals, face…. It's hard to interact with strangers, feel accepted for who we are, and even to make friends. Everyone craves connection, neurodivergent or otherwise, and everyone deserves a place where they feel safe to try to connect with others.
Looking around this morning, I realized every person around me seemed to have positive interactions with another person. The ones you connect with, can be your authentic self around, share your joys with, openly advocate for your needs to, and even unmask around… those are your people. Every apprentice I talked to had found their people. Every person found connection.
We made some big headway in preparing the garden today, but that wasn’t the biggest accomplishment I saw. Connection is something worth celebrating.
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