Within a stone's throw of the edge of
Plain View Farm's acreage (not far from the slough and barn),
buffalo herds once circled in a ring
to protect their young from attacking wolves
in wintertime, gradually molding and pushing the earth
up in a mound by the pressure of their hooves and countless passings. The
Stadem family circle, safe and cosy as it was,
also had to be broken (with some tears, prayers, and not a little faith and trust in God for the leave-takers), come spring thaw, in order
for the young to venture forth
into the wide world beyond. "May the Circle Not be Broken," an old
and cherished song, expressed their hearts' desire for the Family, but, nevertheless,
it must be broken, willingly, for God's plan for all their lives to reach fulfilment, one by one.