Child Labor Violation

Tis that time of year again that we go out into the fields to set tobacco. Starting off our fourth season as tobacco farmers, its been an experience for this semi-city girl.

In the past, Chuck has hired teenagers to help out after school. It made for long evenings in a very long week. This year, with Chuck working at the Fire house every 3rd day and a temperamental spring season, he wanted to get the tobacco set as quick as possible. Chuck was able to get help during the day, then the kids took over after school... which worked out good for me cuz I only had to help for a couple hours...

The kids and I got to the farm a little after 4. I dropped Josh off at the field, then the girls and I drove up to the house to get a 4 wheeler. Gracie has been learning to drive mine so that's the first thing she wants to do when we get to the farm.... vroom vroom...

Down the hill. Passed the pond. Around the barn. Through the fence line.

When we reached the back field Chuck was driving the tractor away from us. We sat on the 4 wheeler and waited for the crew to come back our way. As soon as their daddy came into view, the girls smiled and waved big. Chuck hollered, asking if they wanted to ride on the tractor. Suzie was all for that idea and just about leaped out of my arms. Gracie said yes, but quickly changed her mind- she wanted to drive the 4 wheeler some more

Daddy and Suzie made a couple rounds on the tractor before Papaw showed up to take over driving. I walked over to get Suzie but she was no where near ready to get off that tractor. Papaw smiled and waved me off, "I got her." Suzie smiled proudly, perched on Papaw's lap.

Chuck hopped on the back of the 4 wheeler and Gracie and I drove him up to the house. Once at the house, Gracie decided to stay with Mamaw. I went back to the field to check on Suzie.

Turning the corner to the back field Suzie caught my attention.... one of those moments when I really wished I had my camera... She was still on Papaw's lap and wearing his straw hat. She had one hand on the steering wheel and the other hand kept adjusting the over-sized hat on her head. When she spotted me she grinned big and waved, letting the hat fall forward covering her eyes. She reached her hand to pull the hat back, still smiling from ear to ear.

The kids on the setter needed some help so I got off my 4 wheeler and walked behind them- making sure plants were covered properly. After a couple rounds, I peaked up at Suzie on the tractor. She was no longer wearing Papaw's hat or smiling big. She was cradled in Papaw's arms, half asleep- making it difficult for Papaw to drive the tractor.

We finished up the last two rows, then moved to the front field. I took Suzie from Papaw and we rode my 4 wheeler to the house for a break. Wide awake now, Suzie bounced into the house and found Mamaw in the kitchen, "Whew" Suzie exclaimed, "I'm tired cuz I been wurking" she brushed the hair from her face.

Mamaw laughed at the 'little person' standing before her. "Then you must need a drink"

Suzie sighed in exhaustion again, "Yeah. Cuz I tired. Cuz I been wurking"

Mamaw poured a cup of juice, "Well did they pay you for working?"

Suzie took a big gulp then breathed, "No they didn't pay me!" her words took on a tone like she just realized she'd been jipped.

Laughing, Mamaw and I both suggested Suzie go tell her daddy she wanted paid- but Suzie spotted the Barbie dolls in the corner and she forgot all about that tractor business.