“Sir, how many hours a day do you spend tending all of this?” Wayne asked curiously.

Dad paused to consider the question.

“About six hours,” he answered.

“Maybe seven hours during June when the weeds grow fast.”

“Do you work out here every single day?” Wayne inquired.

“Every single day that God grants me,” Dad answered plainly.

Wayne made another brief note on his clipboard, then looked over at the sleek gray house next door before returning his gaze to the pristine garden rows.

When we walked back toward the farmhouse porch, Wayne took a deep breath, looking visibly uncomfortable as he tapped his pen against the wooden board.