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| August 20, 2008 |
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Farm, family and community make up their worldGeorge Stanley and his wife Beth, along with their son Patrick, operate a family cattle and timber farm and are members of St. Margaret Parish in DeFuniak Springs. DeFUNIAK SPRINGS | On their 550-acre spread, the Stanleys of DeFuniak Springs live out their faith exploring God’s great creation and giving back to the community. George and Beth Stanley, along with their son, Patrick Stanley, manage an average of 55 head of cattle and a thriving timber operation, consisting of long leaf, loblolly and slash pine. It’s a seven-day-a-week operation winter through spring, looking after the calves and feeding, though it slows a bit in summer when the cattle can graze. “Patrick goes with me and helps feed every day and look after the calves and check fences,” says George. Patrick, who has Down syndrome, has named every calf born on the farm. Patrick recalls one Christmas Eve night when one of the cows died while giving birth. He named the calf Little Eva, because she was born on Christmas Eve. Patrick then took the place of the mama, bottle-feeding Eva for the next four months. Another time when a cow was having difficulty with birth, Patrick and his mother had to help in the delivery. Patrick named that calf Gracie, because “by the grace of God she was born.” ROOTS IN THE FIELDS Raised on a farm in southwest Alabama, George said he always wanted his own farm. When he had an opportunity to buy his first 240 acres in the 1960s, he happily re-entered the world of farming. He’s managed to make it blend, along with his military, corporate and real estate sales careers, as he explained, “You have to have a good job to own a farm.” Everyone needs a little service occasionally from the community, and everyone can give back to the community.” Beth, a registered nurse, stays busy doing volunteer work at St. Margaret Parish in DeFuniak Springs, traveling with Patrick to help raise awareness for the National Down Syndrome Congress and volunteering with her son for Red Cross during emergencies. Following a hurricane or other natural disaster, George said, “I may not see them for two to three days.” Beth and Patrick have given talks at church groups, clubs and elementary schools, where the listeners get to focus more on his abilities, not his disability. He tells them, “I have Down syndrome, which only means that it takes me longer to learn things.” Community service has always been a part of their lives and Beth said it’s part of Patrick’s continuing education. She wants her son to see that “everyone needs a little service occasionally from the community, and everyone can give back to the community.” While the family lived in Tallahassee for Patrick to attend school, she said they volunteered to deliver meals through Elder Care Services. Patrick handled the coordination of matching up 17 meals – diabetic or low sodium – with the computer-listed names. The seniors grew very attached to him and told the agency how much they looked forward to his visits. In DeFuniak Springs, the now 28-year-old continues his visits with the elderly, stopping by the Stanley House (no relation) Assisted Living Facility once a week with his independent companion. “He visits with the ladies from our church who are living there,” Beth said. He often plays bingo or checkers with them and the other residents. At the invitation of Father Rick Dawson, Patrick became an altar server at St. Margaret Parish a few years ago. He now serves two Saturdays a month and on other special occasions. While holding down a job and tending to the farm doesn’t allow George the time for the same level of community service, he gives back by helping about 400 seniors file their tax returns annually and he supports his wife and son in their activities. NO BOUNDARIES Beth says when Patrick was born, it occurred to her that he could be comfortable wherever – but she didn’t want his world to just be their farm. “I wanted him to experience life to the best of his ability.” And experience it he has. Patrick has gone white-water rafting down the Kennebec River in Maine and has traveled through seven foreign countries. He and his mother attended the international Down syndrome convention in Sydney, Australia, one year. “Patrick got to ride a camel,” she said. Patrick enrolled in acting classes at a local community college and also paints. He has sold some of his 41 paintings as well as note cards that feature his work. Proceeds go to benefit the National Down Syndrome Congress. “He touches other people through his creativity, gifts and talents he’s blessed with,” his mother said. “Those gifts go untouched unless they are given an opportunity to explore them.” One of Patrick’s gifts, of course, is his friendly manner. When visiting Rome on a family vacation, an official referred to the papal apartments nearby. Patrick asked if the pope was home and then added, “Tell him Patrick Stanley said hello.”
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