My mother’s father was a farmer. My mother  couldn’t wait to get off the farm and experience the city lights. She says I got the farmer gene, which often skips a generation. This old tractor still runs, and we use it to cut hay. It’s a simple machine. When I drive it I feel the full force of the sun and wind. I feel every bump and divot in the field. I figure I’m feeling  just what grandpa felt.