OZARK, Ark. — For over three decades, Jim and Karen Lane have been selling Christmas trees at their farm in Ozark with their four kids.
"We started the farm to have a business that we could raise our kids doing and work together," Jim, the owner of Christmas Tree Lane, said. "We have four kids, and they all grew up right there working the tree farm with us."
However, Christmas Tree Lane looks a little different for the Lane family this year with the absence of Jim and Karen. They are at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota as Jim battles amyloidosis, a rare disease where proteins in your body change or mutate. The amyloid buildup can make organs such as the heart, kidneys, liver, spleen, nervous system, and digestive tract not work properly.
"We miss being there a lot, but we know our sons are very capable of running the farm," Karen said. "It's in good hands. We wish we could be there to help them. Of course."
"Yeah, it's been tough, but we've got more serious things to deal with," Jim added.
While it was hard giving the reins to his kids, Jim knew they were ready to take over.
"I kind of like to micromanage things, unfortunately, and I have to sit back and realize they're fully capable of running the farm without us and probably better," Jim said.
Landon Lane, their oldest son knew it would be a challenge without them, but the community around them has come together to help.
"That was a little bit intimidating to know that, 'OK, they're not gonna be here. We need to figure out how to get this done,'" Landon said. "That kind of meant reaching out to people."
However, Landon said people were quick to reach out.
"We had family friends, church friends, we even had people who've been customers here for several years who have reached out and said, 'Hey, how can we help you?'" Landon said.
While they can't be here this Christmas, Jim and Karen know exactly what the farm means to them and other families.
"I think the effect that it's had on the other families around our community has been what impacts us so much because we've had some customers that have gotten trees from us for nearly 30 years," Jim said. "We've seen the generations come and change. And it's always a joy for us, no matter who shows up. But boy, when those old timers show up that have been coming for so long, it's like a family reunion, a little Christmas family reunion."
The farm opened up on Saturday, Nov. 23, and will be open until Dec. 20. Click here to see their hours.
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