The Moth Podcast: "Animal Husbandry" by Jeffrey Rudel

Episode Overview

In the "Animal Husbandry" episode of The Moth podcast, storyteller Jeffrey Rudel recounts a poignant and humorous family experience centered around an unconventional Thanksgiving. Through his vivid storytelling, Rudel explores themes of ambition, familial expectations, and the unpredictable nature of life on a fledgling farm.

Background: A Leap into Farming

Jeffrey Rudel begins by setting the stage of his family’s socioeconomic status and upbringing. He describes his parents as "lower middle class people with upper lower class educations," with his father working as a foreman in a paper mill and his mother as a bank teller. Their life was rooted in a modest split-level house within a financially troubled subdivision.

Quote:
"My father was a foreman in a paper mill, my mother was a bank teller." ([02:56])

The Unexpected Farm Acquisition

In January 1974, Rudel’s father makes a life-altering decision to sell everything and purchase an 80-acre farm located 60 miles away. This abrupt move introduces the family to the harsh realities of farming, marked by untilled clay land, obsolete equipment, and minimal livestock—specifically two Holstein cows.

Quote:
"My father came home and announced to my mother that he had sold everything and bought a farm 60 miles away." ([03:20])

Despite arguments, Rudel’s mother complies, relocating all their belongings, including her cherished chartreuse Russell Wright crystal set. Within a month, the father ambitiously begins building a chicken coop, repairing the tractor, and acquiring a bull, indicating his strong commitment to their new agricultural venture.

Struggles and Setbacks in Farming

The narrative delves into the inherent challenges of farming, highlighting the couple’s lack of experience. Rudel shares the heart-wrenching moment when their first cow calves on Thanksgiving morning only for the calf to perish within an hour due to the barn's inadequate heating during a harsh Michigan winter.

Quote:
"In March, our first cow went into labor and calved on Thanksgiving at 4:00 in the morning... it died less than an hour later." ([04:15])

This loss propels Rudel’s father to take drastic measures to save their remaining livestock. He moves the surviving cow and its calf into the heated family room, covering the floor with a plastic tarp and straw to safeguard his investment.

Quote:
"He covered the floor of our family room with a large plastic tarp, put down a bed of straw, and brought the remaining cow into the house to have its calf." ([04:45])

The Thanksgiving Incident

The centerpiece of Rudel’s story occurs on a particularly tumultuous Thanksgiving Day. As the family gathers, the presence of the cow and calf in the family room creates an unusual and tense atmosphere. Rudel paints a picture of domestic chaos juxtaposed with rising familial tensions.

During the Thanksgiving meal, as the family sits down and his grandfather says grace, the unexpected happens. A "lesser spirit" overtakes the calf, causing it to break free and charge into the kitchen, leading to a dramatic collision with the dinner table.

Quote:
"While God is being distracted by my grandfather, a lesser spirit overcomes the calf and it leaps over the bale of straw and comes charging into the kitchen and crashes into the table." ([06:00])

The incident triggers a swift and frantic response from Rudel’s mother, who grabs her treasured cordial glass—a symbol of her pride and perfectionism—in the heat of the moment. Her actions result in the shattering of every piece of crystal except the one she holds, a metaphor for the fracturing of family harmony.

Quote:
"Now, she loved this crystal. She used to brag that that crystal was the only thing she had that wasn't second rate or second hand... Every single piece of crystal shattered." ([06:45])

Aftermath and Family Dynamics

The Thanksgiving chaos marks a turning point for Rudel’s family. It becomes the last Thanksgiving they spend together, casting a long shadow over their subsequent years. The broken crystal glass, alongside his mother's wedding ring, becomes a lasting symbol of their fractured relationship.

Quote:
"That was our last Thanksgiving together and for the remainder of their marriage, that glass sat on my mother's dressing room table with her wedding ring in it for all the years in between." ([07:10])

Rudel reflects on the lasting impact of that day, highlighting how a single event can redefine family dynamics and personal relationships.

Conclusion

Jeffrey Rudel's "Animal Husbandry" is a compelling tale that intertwines humor with heartache, illustrating the unpredictability of pursuing one's dreams and the delicate balance of family life. Through his storytelling, Rudel invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences with ambition, resilience, and the bonds that hold families together—even in the face of chaos.

Final Thought:
"On the fourth Thursday of every November, my mother took great pleasure in preparing a dinner of roasted veal." ([07:23])

This enduring tradition stands in poignant contrast to the tumultuous events of that particular Thanksgiving, underscoring the enduring nature of family rituals amidst change and loss.

About the Storyteller

Jeffrey Rudel is a writer, artist, and designer based in New York City. His storytelling in The Moth captures personal anecdotes with universal themes, showcasing his ability to find humor and meaning in challenging circumstances.

This episode of The Moth encapsulates the essence of storytelling—sharing personal narratives that resonate deeply with audiences, fostering a sense of shared human experience.