I could tell by his face that he wasn’t inclined to speak with Rachel and I.
Our first official “no” was discussed as we exited the driveway. Glancing back at the two-story white house, I knew the owner had a story to share. But there were hints of physical frailties, and wrinkles on his brow that, coupled with his own perspective, kept those stories from strangers.
Pensively, we turned down another driveway about a mile away. It extended through a wheat field and wound around farm equipment, eventually stopping at a small farm house. This one was occupied, but the occupants were on their way to run errands.
“But you might enjoy talking with my parents…” My ears perked up as they pointed across their property toward the northwest.
“Just past that grove of trees. You’ll find them. It might be their nap time, but it’s okay to knock. Tell them their daughter sent you.”
So we did.
We met Max and Barbara in their back yard, planting tomatoes. He stood quietly by her side while she chatted with him out of earshot as we approached. Her bright pink outfit shone like a beacon as we explained our project. As soon as we mentioned “her daughter sent us,” we were invited into the house.
We’ll let you see the rest for yourself.
If you only have 30 seconds, click here to get a glimpse of Max and Barbara. If you have a few minutes, and we hope you do, then be prepared to open your hearts to this couple who have lived in Payne, OK all of their married lives.