Sunday, June 03, 2012

Dear Limoneira Company,

Dear Limoneira Company,

My name is Elissa and I am 34 years old and I grew up on your ranch. Over the last few months my Mother, her siblings and some of my cousins have been working on moving my Grandparents out of their house, C-25. This took them months to do because my Grandparents lived in C-25 for over 40 years. My Grandparents came to Limoneria Ranch in 1954 or 55. They have lived there ever since. They are moving out of the house simply because it was time. Time for them to be taken care of and loved 24/7.

Limoneria Company has made a lot of changes since I lived there (bocce ball??) but one thing that I truly admire about your company is that long after my Grandfather retired, you allowed him to continue to live in the home they raised their children in. My Mom and Dad even met there because they were neighbors.

I don't know what your plans are with all the homes on the ranch. They have seen better days. I just need you to know that C-25 is not just walls and rooms to me and my family. This house is the backdrop to all of mine, my siblings, all my cousins, and my kids, happy memories. Easter egg hunts in the back yard, corn parties in the summer, Christmas Eve talent shows, and the last place I spoke to my cousin Roman before he passed away. I could show you thousands of photographs of this house, of happy faces and a very loving family. Pictures of me at 2 months old dressed up just like my 3 month old cousin Patricia,  up to my 2 year old sitting on my Tata's lap under the big family portrait.

This house was home base for us. It was were we went to feel love and family. So I guess I just want to thank you. For giving my family a place to be together for over 40 years. It's the only place I have even known as "Nana & Tata's" house and it will always be the background to my childhood. I know that my family is not the only family who has had generations grow up on Limoneira Ranch. So thank you Limo, for caring about the people who work and who worked for you. You continue to be a business that cares for it's employees. This business philiosphy will guarantee that you continue to remain one of the best in the business.

And who knows, maybe bocce ball is the next soccer? (totally joking with you!)

with much love and gratitude,
Elissa
Granddaughter of Joe and Ruth

9 comments:

  1. Anonymous11:47 PM

    That made me cry. Such rich memories for your family. You have been so blessed, Elissa. God Bless your Nana & Tata and all the memories made in their house. God Bless Limoneira Ranch for caring about people.

    Love, Sherry Pushkaric :)

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  2. Shannon10:17 AM

    Elissa - I would petition the Heritage Vealley group and see if they can make them local or even california landmarks. Contact the museum in SP, then go to the County Museum. There is too much old money in this county to just tear them down and you would be hard pressed to find any old ag people in this county that hasn't sold some produce through Limoinera. Start dropping names like the Lagomarsinos, the Leavens, the Menne's, the Ortiz's (who are still VERY active in SP). Ask the Junior Fairboard to do a fundraiser. Put this letter in the quarterly farming newsletter. There are too many people here that still have connections there, start sending letters. I have contact addy's for all of the above people. All of them are dying and trust me I am sure they are looking for worthwhile places to contribute, other than Livingston Memorial or CMH. This could be your legacy for the area. I am so glad you have such great memories there - I haven't been out there since I was on the JFB - almost 20 years ago!!! I am glad they were kind to your family. Shannon

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  3. Anonymous11:15 AM

    Aww cousin this is beautiful! I don't think Its sank in yet that we all will no longer meet at that house. But I do feel blessed to have had the times Ive had there with Nana and Tata and the rest of our family<3 -Vanny

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yea it is hard to believe. We are very blessed!

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  4. Anonymous11:41 AM

    Hello Elissa
    Love the story my grandparents still live there in the eight houndreds. 815 I also grew up there loved every moment of it. My kidz love going to grandpa and grandmas house. Thank you Limo for doing the same for my grandparents to.

    Mark Tobias grandparents Robert and Elivra

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  5. Anonymous11:30 AM

    Loved your story Elissa! A Limoneira Orchard Fresh Gift pack is on the way to you. Hopefully, it will bring back some more happy memories of the Ranch.

    Warm Regards,

    John

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much John. I am glad someone at Limo read this. I wanted to know how much we appreciate the company. I still have many family members who work for you and live on the ranch.

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