Downwind“Counting our blessings (instead of sheep)”
Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney, in the Irving Berlin classic, White Christmas, famously sang, “When I'm worried and I can't sleep…I count my blessings instead of sheep. And I fall asleep counting my blessings.”
When it comes to counting sheep, Cook County is home to some. The most recent ag census in 2022 reported a paltry 110 sheep and lambs in Cook County. I venture to say the census takers failed to count those sheep hiding behind the hills and trees of several golf courses, behind the main terminals of O’Hare Airport and behind sub-divisions of a few southside farms.
Not being a census taker, I have no need to count sheep. Not even to fall asleep. More specifically, there is no need for me to count sheep:
- On the couch at 8 p.m.
- In my office after a big lunch (shhh, don’t tell the board)
- During date night at Drury Lane (shhh, don’t tell my wife)
On the other hand, I may need to start counting sheep at 3 a.m., following the unfortunate nature’s call, when my brain, believing it is its own master, clicks into high gear by problem-solving issues.
Doctor Bing’s advice for 3 a.m. brain insomnia? Take a sleeping pill called “Count my Blessings”. I read the label of the sleeping pill “Count my Blessings”, and learned it contains the following non-opioid but addictive ingredients:
- Blessings called Members: Cook County Farm Bureau is so very fortunate to have many members. Committed members. Dedicated members. Loving members. Members that volunteer. Members that “bleed” Cook County Farm Bureau.
Example: We received a note from member Richard as he completed his June word search from his hospital bed.
- Blessings called AITC Contractors: We had our 8 Ag in the Classroom presenters wrap up the school year after teaching 24,000 kids about why farmers are important and how agriculture touches their lives every day.
Example: AITC presenter contractor Jim Bloomstrand, who recently announced his retirement, has been a true blessing for the past 25 years teaching over 50,000 students alone.
- Blessings called Volunteers: We have a wonderful group of members that give their time, energy, and expertise for the betterment of members and the organization.
Example: In the final days of the May Illinois General Assembly, we had our Farm Bureau Legislative action contact team activate to contact many of the area legislators in support of the Family Farm Preservation Act.
- Blessings called COUNTRY® Financial agents: Scattered throughout the county, we have a great group of agents serving members and non-members alike.
Example: COUNTRY® Financial agent Karen Kavalas and her husband Peter (former agent) stopped into the office to catch up. During the conversation, they said such nice things about us and our membership connections.
- Blessings called Staff: Cook County Farm Bureau staff are dedicated to connecting with members and helping to solve problems and provide solutions for members seeking successful businesses.
Example: Debbie (Director of Membership), fresh from her spring visits out to farmstands and greenhouses, shared with me the positive comments, stories, and updates our members provide her with during these important check-ins and listening opportunities.
- Blessings called Donors: CCFB Foundation’s scholarship program and ag literacy support programming continues to expand thanks to many generous contributors, large and small.
Example: Upon the recent passing of a long-time and cherished member and supporter, the family kindly named the Cook County Farm Bureau Foundation as the memorial beneficiary for family and friends.
- Farmers as blessings: We enjoy some of the best, healthiest, freshest, most affordable food products in the world.
Example: Local farmers are out in Cook County doing what they do best – Planting. Growing. Caring. And Delivering. For you.
Sometimes, we take our blessings for granted (like Cook County sheep counting, I guess). We are blessed you help us fulfill our purpose, goals, and objectives as an organization.
When I'm worried and I can't sleep…I count my blessings instead of sheep. And I fall asleep counting my blessings.
Thank you for your membership blessings!