September 5, 2024

When we embrace
the ancient ways of being
in right relationship
with community…

Word of his collapse flew through the small rural Irish community on wings of anguish and grief. I first learned of it when we tucked into a restaurant for an early dinner and the manager whom I’ve come to know over the years came over to our table in tears. I would later find out he was a much loved farmer, taxi driver and father of a best friend of one of the sons of our B&B host family.

While the community was paralyzed by the news of his collapse and slipping into a coma, the local farmers mobilized. The next day they left their own fields and came together to complete the harvest for their friend. 

In Irish, this is meitheal (méh-hull). A centuries-old tradition of community cooperation and teamwork with origins tracing back to a time when neighbors would come together to help with tasks such as haymaking or harvesting crops. A tradition that built resilient and thriving communities.

The man died three days later. And while his crops are gathered and baled, I know the community will continue to come together in the spirit of meitheal to support his family. It was an honor to witness this harvest of common unity.

Beannacht,
Judith