Sometimes a Lower Price Doesn’t Equal Value

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Several years ago, my father and I had been working on the farm all morning. As the clock neared 11:30 a.m., we knew that my grandmother (Ma) would have lunch ready and on the table, and my grandfather (Pap) would be expecting us to stop by. It was guaranteed that Ma would have a big pan of cornbread accompanied by fried chicken or pork chops along with bowls and bowls of vegetables. She seemed to have a knack for always having enough food cooked regardless of whether one person showed up or 10.

Pap and Ma were unique individuals, but they both enjoyed life and the company of others. Ma never cared for any material things, and for the most part Pap didn’t either, but he was extremely particular about his personal appearance. He always wore a pocket watch in the bib of his overalls, which were never too faded. Pap also had a unique way of combing his hair – slicked back to lay perfectly flat against the top of his head – and topped with a dress hat wherever he went, no matter if it was to church or to the field to work.

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On this particular day nothing eventful had happened all morning, and in truth I don’t remember much about the day until my father and I walked in their house, but I can remember the next few moments as if they occurred yesterday. Just like clockwork, the first thing that I would smell was home-cooked food with the aroma of freshly baked cobbler hanging in the air. Next, I would see my grandfather with a smile on his face sitting in a chair saying, “Get in here and get washed up; dinner’s almost on the table!” Finally, I’d hear the sounds of pots and pans rattling with Ma welcoming me from the kitchen with a big grin.

But this particular day was different. When my father and I got our first glimpse of Pap, we stopped dead in our tracks because clearly something wasn’t right. His hair was sticking up all over his head in a random pattern that resembled a wet yard full of crabgrass that had been mowed with dull blades. Clearly, he was not amused at our smiles. Holding back laughter, my father asked, “What in the world has happened to your hair?” I can still remember Pap’s response and his opinion of the barber’s work, but it’s probably best not to put those words in print. You see, Pap was also on the conservative side, and when his regular barber went up a dollar on haircuts, he decided to try a new one. Right then I learned that the lowest price and true value don’t always go hand in hand – and I think Pap did, too.

When I look at value, I place Farm Bureau membership among the best buys anywhere. For a mere $25 per year, you have identity theft consultation and restoration services included with your membership and access to discounts on products and services that range from entertainment discounts, to discounts on home security, to discounts on tractors and automobiles all because you are a Farm Bureau member. For a complete list of the benefits associated with membership, go to www.tnfarmbureau.org/memberbenefits or give us a call toll-free at (877) 363-9100.

Value is a term that we use regularly in our office, and each day we work to add value to your membership. Why do we do this? Because you aren’t just a customer – you are a member.

From our family to yours, happy Thanksgiving and merry Christmas!

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