You may have heard that the Jondles, owners of Abundant Life Farms, were found murdered last night.
I first met the Jondles last fall when I was interested in learning about how to slaughter a chicken by hand. They also made frequent trips to Salem to sell their farm-raised, organic free-range chickens from the back of a truck.
In an age when many farmers are reluctant to allow journalists entry into their businesses for fear of media looking to expose their farming practices, they were generous, open and kind. At least in terms of their operations, they knew they had nothing to hide.
Living Culture’s Nate Rafn spent a lot of time learning about their farming practices and documented them for his show Living Culture.
From my visit, I remember being amazed at the happy chatter of the family as it processed the chickens.
As more details of of Scott and Marilyn’s murder become public, as more people comment on the S-J website with their judgments and their hypotheses and their snarky asides, as more people think, with each new revelation that they understand more of what happened, I am reminded:
Every family is a secret world unto itself. Every man is an abyss where you can’t see the bottom.
This is so sad. And you are so right – I do wish more people would look at tragedies like this with the idea that, ‘each man is an abyss where you can’t see the bottom.’ I’ve had several friends killed in car accidents and the speculation and gossipy chatter surrounding such accidents makes me sick. I’m glad you brought to light the fact that such events just can’t be judged.
I wish the SJ wouldn’t allow comments on articles like this one. There’s nothing to discuss. If people have leads, they can contact the police. If people want to leave a note to the family, they can send a letter.
BUT I am glad the SJ put up Nate’s Living Culture video. It’s like a sweet memorial. Just like your shared memory of time spent on their farm.
I think there is a natural human impulse to write the story in our heads. Stories, after all, are how we explain the world. As the facts eke out, the gossip mongering makes sense. The story gets rewritten each time. More details flesh it out. We get a greater sense of the characters. We think we understand a little bit more. We posit theories of intentions.
But this isn’t a novel, and not everything human is kind or admirable. I don’t have to know what happened to know that it’s a tragedy.
I’m shocked reading SJ comments and cringe when I read them. I’d much rather read the comments on your blog. Your readers are much more insightful and better informed.
Thanks for posting this about the Jondles. I’ve never met them however I think the Living Culture Video was touching and I know I will give me family a little extra squeeze when saying goodnight this evening. So very sad.
I’m right there with you, Jessica. I’ve been hugging my baby all day long. Nate does great work. His stuff makes me feel less and less like the products I consume are created by faceless entities.
Oh my god. We bought several pounds of pork fat that I rendered into lard for Thanksgiving pies last fall. Met both of them, and their then tiny, tiny puppy. So sweet, and providing such a service. A real shame.
Thinking about this more now, and really feeling sad. Hoping that the animals have someone to care for them. Not sure if or how I could offer help, but I’m in Dallas and could do anything if they’re lacking for labor.
I don’t know who would pick up the pieces on the goat farm where I work – I know how to do some things but wouldn’t be able to run the show by far, and before I came along things were entirely dependent on the farm owners.
Whew.
I know they had a lot of neighbors who would work in the chicken operation. I assume they will come and care for the animals. Paige, might be worth calling the police to see what the status is there. Or is there anyone else who would be more appropriate?
I was so sad to hear this news. It’s a huge loss for their family and also a blow to the community and the land they cared for. I was really thankful for the quality of their products and their excellent stewardship of the land.