The Knights of Columbus and other farming friends rallied together Thursday to combine Brad and Francis Lhotak's 300 acres of soybeans. Pioneer Seeds sponsored the meals for the amazing crew who put their own harvest on hold to help their neighbors and friends.

Francis is recovering from chemo and pneumonia and Brad was in a horseback accident on Saturday while riding a horse to work cattle. When the horse started to buck, the left stirrup broke and Brad landed on the saddle horn before falling to the ground on his hands and knees. He was taken by ambulance to Sioux Falls where he had surgery Sunday morning to put a plate and pins in his pelvic area. He suffered what is called an open book pelvic fracture, although he didn't actually break any bones. His pelvis was opened like a book stretching the ligaments and tendons. The plate and pins are there to stabilize his pelvis. He is not allowed to put any weight on his right foot for six to eight weeks. He returned home on Monday night, October 5th, and will be using a walker to get around.

"We are very thankful that God protected Brad from any further injury. We live in a wonderful community that looks out for each other. Tom and Jordan Kocer were building a ramp for Brad to get in the house when we returned home. We have friends and neighbors who have delivered meals and will continue through this week," commented Jennifer Lhotak.

"We are beyond blessed to be living in the Wagner community where people truly do anything for each other! Prayers for a quick and full recovery are appreciated," she added.

"You can't help getting emotional, seeing all these people coming out to help us", commented Brad. "I truly am so thankful and blessed." Brad has a long recovery time ahead of him but is happy that he is feeling stronger everyday.

Francis was thrilled to be able to make one round in the field before handing off the combine duties to his friends. He too shared that he is feeling better every day and was so thankful to everyone for all their help.

In times such as these you are reminded how blessed we are to live in a great community. Neighbor helping neighbor. It's the way it is meant to be.