Devotion

3

TW: Religion is mentioned slightly.

𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫
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I slid on my boots and tied them up, so I could start early out on the farm. I scheduled an appointment for my cactus to be checked out because it is turning brown. I would throw it away, but it was a gift from my niece, so I didn't want to hurt her feelings.

I walked outside towards the chicken coop. I have 4 chickens, 2 hens, 1 rooster, and 1 chick. I looked into the coop to find only one egg. It seems to be a chick, so I'll leave it and see what the chickens do with it. I grab the feed and spread it around, and I close the gate and head toward where the cows are.

I put them in the barn house because it's easier to milk them. I only have 3 milk cows, the other is a bull. I grab my milk pails, sit on the stool, and start cleaning the udders, after I begin to milk the cow by hand, letting it fall into the red bucket. I continue to do the same with the other cows.

I walk to the corner of the barn and pour the milk into the bulk tank. It stores the milk and keeps it at a cool temperature. I'll jar the milk individually in the afternoon, but I have more things to do. I was going to buy more jars in the morning, but my truck wouldn't start. I need a new one, but I don't exactly have enough money for that.

The barn is split in half, one side is where the cows are, and the other side is where I work on my car and other vehicles. I walked to the other side, and I had already jacked the car up.
I knew it had to be the oil because it was long overdue. I had already bought the oil I needed. I just haven't put it in yet, but I have time now.

I grabbed an empty bucket and got under the truck. I locate the oil tank and slowly screw the cap off, getting oil on my hands in the process. The oil came out in a thick, solid line that barely looked like it was even coming out. The oil slowly stopped. I waited for it to stop dripping and screwed the cap back on snuggly.

I dragged the tub from under the car so I wouldn't spill it on me more than I had already done. I grabbed the new oil container, opened it, and poured it into the oil tank. As soon as I finished, my phone started ringing. I wiped my hands on my shirt before I answered.

"Hey," I answer as I sit on a stool next to the tire.

"Hi, Tanner. I haven't talked to you in a couple of days." I recognized that name from anywhere. It was my mama. We usually talk every other day.

"Hey Ma, I'm sorry I haven't called, I've been busy," he said while rubbing the back of his neck.

"You can never be too busy to call your mother. I talked with your sister, and she has to run her bakery and take care of her kids." She said it as she huffed.

"Ma, I'm sorry. I'll try to call you more, but I've been workin' out here on the farm, and working on cars is tiring. " He said this as he leaned against the car with his eyes closed.

"Tanner, how about this? This Sunday after church, I will make Sunday dinner. You and your sister and her kids can come over, and we can eat a family dinner. We can all reconnect. I already invited some friends from church, it'll be great."

"Um, that sounds like a good idea, Ma. If you want me to bring anything, I will."

"Alright, all you need to do is bring yourself. I'll talk to you later, Tanner. I love you."

"I love you too, Ma." I hang up and put my hands down in my hands. I love my mom with all my heart, but I hate when she compares me to my sister Tara. I wish she would stop.

I put my phone in my pocket and walked out of the barn. I headed back into the house because I was starving. I walk into the kitchen and wash my hands after I make a ham and cheese sandwich because it is quick and easy.