When tragedy struck one Altona-area family this fall, a group of local farmers stepped up in a big way. Michele Sawatzky lost her husband, Norm Hildebrand, unexpectedly on October 9th. At the time, 200 acres of soybeans were still standing in the field. “I contacted Norm’s help, Rod, and he reached out to a couple of local farmers,” Michele explained. “They came together and the following day they were out there combining all of the soybeans off the field. They took care of absolutely everything for me. I was greatly relieved because I am not a farmer." Michelle says it's hard to describe what she felt at the sight of her neighbours arriving with three combines, two grain carts and a handful of semis to get the job done. “I was so overwhelmed with generosity, the kindness they were showing. In less than 8 hours, the team had the crop off the field and delivered to the elevator. Michele says those efforts allowed her to focus on grieving without worrying about the harvest. “They didn’t bother me, they allowed me to grieve, allowed me to deal with my emotions at that moment,” she said. “I don’t even know how to thank these people. I don’t know if they realize what a huge impact they had." Michelle calls the experience a powerful reminder of what community means. “I think such is the way of a community, of small-town living, of the compassion and caring we just show one another,” she said.