“Integrity” comes from the Latin root “integer,” meaning whole, complete, untouched. Many people think integrity means honesty, but its root suggests something more. Honesty is an element of integrity because it’s necessary for its expression, which, in the fullest sense, is to act in alignment with a moral code rooted in compassion – always, even when no one is looking. When we have such a moral code and align every aspect of our lives with it, we are living in a way that is whole, complete, and pure.
Besides his commitment to education, my papa’s greatest virtue was his wholehearted commitment to this idea of integrity, which he and my grandmother worked hard to pass along to their children. My father often told me that whenever they borrowed a tool from a neighboring farmer, my papa would always make my father find some way to return the tool in better condition than when it was received. My dad found a few opportunities, as well, to make the same point with me when we borrowed something from a neighbor.
Fortunately for my dad, he found the right life partner in my mom, because she shared this same commitment. Her mom, especially, modeled this virtue for her. Having two parents who shared this commitment meant I came into this world truly blessed.
My father learned the concept of integrity on the farm, along with a strong work ethic. One other idea he learned, which I have not spoken of – and which he rarely mentions – is the freedom his parents gave him to explore the world around him, including during his rambunctious teen years. My grandparents laid down the law for their kids in terms of work, responsibility, and ethics, but also gave them plenty of freedom. My papa told my dad that he and his next-youngest brother could use the family car – their only car – as though it were their own and could roam the countryside in the evenings to their hearts’ desire, with one condition: they had to be home to milk the cows by 5:00 a.m.
My father recounted to me how he would sometimes go out all night, then get home just in time for milking. On some of these occasions, he would fall asleep against the cow as he was milking, then suddenly jerk awake again before hitting the ground in front of him.
With the trust and freedom provided by his parents, my dad had, shall I say, “a good time.” He frequented the local hangouts, went on dates, and – most interesting of all – enjoyed listening to a young, up-and-coming singer in his local area. This young lady had incredible talent – talent the world later discovered when Patsy Cline became known far beyond the local bars my father frequented.
The trust my grandparents showed my father and the freedom they gave him, along with their insistence on hard work and integrity, all shaped the life he later lived. If I had to sum up what enabled my father’s success, it was his work ethic, integrity, and rebellious nature. He needed this character to overcome the ignorance and fierce opposition he would face. He also needed it to overcome something else he picked up from the farm - bias. My dad fished, hunted, milked cows, and ate all the animal products typically consumed on a farm. And when he milked cows or brought home wild game he had hunted, he felt like he was bringing home the most wholesome food Nature could provide.
And it’s this belief that influenced the educational path he chose at Penn State, then at Cornell as a Ph.D. graduate student. In my next letter, I’ll share a couple of stories from those years, showing how my father entered the world of science, embarking on a long journey that would eventually take him to some unexpected places.
Vegetable Lo Mein, by Kim Campbell
I always remember ordering takeout on occasion when our kids were younger. They loved lo mein, but I used to cringe when that order went in; we’d get a box of greasy noodles with barely any vegetables mixed in. That’s when I knew I needed to create something healthier, yet just as delicious.
I’m always looking for quick, easy recipes for those packed days when time is limited but you still want a savory, balanced meal. This dish checks all the boxes - it’s versatile, loaded with veggies, and uses a simple, flavorful sauce. You can easily swap out the noodles or vegetables for whatever you have on hand.
The best part? It makes an amazing lunch that’s easy to pack and just as tasty cold. My kids loved finding this in their lunchboxes the next day!
Here’s the link to the recipe:
https://plantpurecommunities.org/main-entrees/vegetable-lo-mein-2/