A lot of people have asked why ‘Plum Tree’ as a name for our
farm. Some have asked are there plum trees? Nope! Not one! Well we ended up
planting two recently just so we can say yes there are plum trees. But they are
not looking all that great; actually anyone who knew anything about plum trees
would be in hysterics if they saw these two. So I guess we better explain the meaning
behind the name ‘Plum Tree Farm’, as it has nothing to do with ‘Plum trees’.
Recently our family was devastated over the diagnoses of a
terminal form of cancer with Mals dad. Chemo would buy him time, but as we soon
discovered the time would not be quality. He opted to stop the chemo and enjoy
the moments he had. Mal spent as much time on the phone or visiting as he
could. It was during these visits that the conversations were about moments
spent growing up on the Chatham Islands (it was a dream Mals dad had to return
to the land he loved so much, but sadly time was ticking fast). Mal and I had
been looking for land for a few years; we almost gave up as we didn’t want to
grow old with a massive mortgage hanging over our heads. I just so happened to
stumble across this place (plum tree farm) but instead of visiting it, I went
to bank to see how possible it would be before getting our hopes up. The bank
gave us the go ahead, so we viewed (twice) and purchased it, we then excitedly
told our parents, both (mine and Mals) were a bit concerned that we were jumping
in to fast, that it is so far away from things etc.…the usual concerns parents
get. But as time passed and we took possession it became clear that we were
happier, relaxed, that perhaps this was not such a bad idea after all. I guess
it reflected through the changes in Mal and I.
Mal would spend many days sitting with his dad talking about
the farm, which Mr G (Mals dad) enjoyed, I think it is because he saw himself
when he was on his farm in his younger years.
When I would visit and told Mr G about our adventures I
noticed it sparked some wonderful stories from the Chatam Islands, I loved
seeing Mal and his dad talk of their times together and interestingly some of
the stories reminded me of someone. It was during these discussions that it
occurred to me that I was sitting here watching something pretty special.
You see 10 years ago I married a wonderful man, a man who
loved me for me, who took on three children and fathered them like his own. A
man with so much knowledge (some useful, some not so useful) a man who had an
opinion on everything whether you wanted to hear it or not. He can do anything, build houses, do
electrical work, fix bikes, cars trucks, the list goes on. I married a man with
a heart as big as hearts can get, a man who sees the good in everyone and
everything, and sitting in this room watching father and son absorbed in
conversation I saw two peas in a pod, and I have an inkling the older version
was slightly accident prone also. It was a good time to chat further with Mr G
to see what I am in for with the younger Mr G, just so I am prepared!!
Sadly mals dads health deteriorated very quickly, both Mal
and I wanted Mr & Mrs G to visit the farm, I probably pushed more than Mal
I guess because while mal was worried about Mr G’s health I was focussing on
creating memories. Special memories. Well approx 4 weeks ago an opportunity
arose where majority (not all) of the family was up at the farm except for Mals
parents as his dad was too sick to drive the 2hours it would take to get him here.
Two days prior we cheekily suggested a helicopter and along with the rest of
the family thought why not enquire to see if it could be possible. Thinking
nothing more of it (until the whanau arrived up at the farm) that we heard back
from the pilot giving the all clear for travel in 40mins!!! We all chipped in
to make this happen, within the hour we gathered to watch the helicopter land
on our top paddock, Mr & Mrs G grinning from ear to ear.
You see prior to this we had a family meeting in Blenheim,
and Mr G mentioned that the likely hood of visiting the farm was slim so he had
carved a stone, blessed it and the family each took
turns in blessing the stone
(it sits on our bedroom window sill) it was such an emotional experience. But as much as the stone would be very special
to us, deep down in my heart I felt it even more important to get Mr G to the
farm. We felt it would help give some sense of closure for Mals dad (as far as
land being back in the family, even though it’s not Chatham Island Land, but it
is something). Both Mal and I felt very strongly about having land for our family
and future generations. I also knew how
close Mal is to his dad, I knew loosing Mr G would affect Mal considerably, so
it was important for me to do what I can to help Mals grieving when dad does
pass away.
So once the helicopter landed we all gathered around the
house while Mrs G began to bless it, it was one of the best experiences!! The
pilot was so wonderful; he waited for as long as we wanted.
The Grennell’s
at ‘Plum Tree Farm’
Plum tree was the name Mr G came up with when we asked him
to name the farm. There is a small bay
on the Chatham Islands near where the Grennell’s grew up, a place where Mr G
had the fondest of memories and was a meeting place for families to gather and
share stories.
Plum Tree Farm is
named in memory of Mals dad.
