[TW/CW: MH, MI] This episode of The Rural Woman Podcast contains discussion of mental health, mental illness, discussion of suicide. These themes may be upsetting to some listeners. If you or a loved one find yourself needing emotional support or are in crisis please note the following resources:

Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 or send a text to 45645

US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

USA & Canada Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor

On this week’s episode of The Rural Woman Podcast, you’ll meet Leslie Bauer. Leslie and her husband Ricky reside on Rural Rhythm Farm in Dayton, Maryland where they raise corn, hay, rye and soybeans. Leslie has a small high tunnel where she grows strawberries and other vegetable crops. They also raise a few cows and hogs.

Leslie is a former 4-H member and continues to support the program today.  She is also active in Farm Bureau and is her current County Farm Bureau president.  Leslie works part time off the farm and pitches in around the farm as time and needs permit. 

Leslie and Ricky raised 3 amazing kids.  The two oldest both have careers in agriculture, and their youngest, Jackie, was also pursuing a career in agriculture, when for reasons that will never be fully understood, she decided to take a different path, running ahead to Heaven in September 2018.

These days, in addition to her passion for agriculture, Leslie also has a passion for mental health. It is her hope that her story will touch others and let them know how much they really do matter and make a difference in this life. You Are Enough!

I have had the pleasure of connecting with Leslie over Instagram the past year. She is truly a light on Social Media for me and I am truly grateful for her sharing her story with us today. I’ve shared with Leslie in the past that I can relate a lot to Jackie’s story and she is honestly my inspiration behind doing this Suicide Awareness and Prevention series this month. There are too many young people, like Jackie, who feel like they are not enough and I hope by Leslie sharing the story of her beautiful daughter we help change the narrative.

Today, September 18, marks the two year anniversary of Jackie’s passing. Leslie and I never intentionally planned for this episode to come out on this date, but I feel like it was something that was just meant to be. 

 Leslie, I want you to know I am thinking about you and your family today and I am sending all of my love to you. Thank you again for continuing to spread love and awareness through the  sadness and pain. Jackie will truly never be forgotten.

Mental Health Resources

Provincial Mental Health Helplines | Ontario |  Alberta | British Columbia | Saskatchewan | Manitoba | Yukon | Northwest Territories | Quebec | Newfoundland | New Brunswick | PEI | Nunavut | Nova Scotia

Canadian Association For Suicide Prevention | Do More Ag | FCC Wellness | Canadian Mental Health Services | Digital Resources for Mental Health | Mental Health First Aid | QPR Training | The Trevor Project | Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration | Psychology Today | Ag State of Mind | TransFARMation

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Liberty is about unwavering quality and craftsmanship built to take on every task, every day. We respect folks who tell it like it is—even if it takes them some time to get to the point. So we’re telling you that our bib overalls are tough enough for your task. They work for farming the traditional way. They work for painting giant small-town murals. They work for backwoods engineering. They work for slow-smoking ribs. They work for hunting alligators in the Louisiana swamps. Heck, they even work for raising backyard chickens. Visit Libertybibs.com