Editor’s note: We’re giving up our blog today for this powerful message from an Indiana farmer and Indiana Prairie Farmer contributor. He addresses a crucial issue facing farmers and farm families — mental health and wellness — through an incredible personal story.

My dad, Robert, lived his whole life in Winamac, Ind. He and my mom, Millie, had 13 children. When he passed away, his visitation at the funeral home in our small town was packed with friends and relatives. We kids, our spouses and many grandchildren agreed to “rotate through,” with four or five standing in the visitation area at any given time.

Immediate family had a private hour of viewing first. When doors were opened for visitors, a long line had already formed. People started coming, and all of us stayed to greet people. The line quickly grew to a four-hour wait.

A couple of my buddies from work were in line. I worked off-the-farm then. I knew my buddies would never make it to work on time. I went to them in line and thanked them for coming.

Then I told everyone standing around there that if they wanted to see just one of us, go directly to them. Suddenly, a lady grabbed my arm.

“You’re one of Bob’s sons, right?” she asked.

“Yes, I’m Todd,” I said. “I’m sorry, but I don’t recognize you.”

“You wouldn’t recognize me,” she continued. “I only met your dad once.”

I wondered — where could this be going?

“It was 1968, and he saved my life that day,” she related.

What? None of us ever heard Dad talk about saving anyone’s life.

“I was sitting in the park,” she began. “He was playing with a bunch of you kids. I saw the love he had for his children. He came over and said to me, ‘It looks like you could use a friend.’

“Your dad sat down, and we talked. What he didn’t know was that I was going to kill myself that evening.

“That all changed after talking with your dad. The way he talked about life, his wife and his family touched me.”

She then told me that she married and raised a family. She came because she just had to say goodbye to my dad. We hugged and stood silent for a minute. I thanked her for coming.

“I only talked to Bob once, but I saw him around town,” she began again. “I still live here. Some of my children live here too.

“I watched you guys grow up. My family and I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for your dad taking time to notice that I could use a friend.”

Yes, a single kind word can change a life. Farmers have a high rate of suicide. If you need help, talk to a close friend. There is help at the Farm and Rural Stress Hotline offered by Avera Health, Sioux Falls, S.D. Call 800-691-4336. It operates 24/7, and is free and confidential. Your local health care provider may be able to guide you to other services offering help.

Schmicker farms near Winamac, Ind.