Ashland: A Place Many Call Home

We hit the road early in the morning and the rain held off. We found ourselves on the longest leg of our journey, so far. We arrive and the rain begins to fall a short while later. Grateful to have gotten in under the wire and running a few behind schedule we find our way to Southern Oregon University's Earth Day.

ECOS, the student environmental group, organized the event and because of the weather we made our way in doors. Undoubtedly we will have less traffic than anticipated. We understand that this means that we will have more one on one time. We are grateful for the chance to affect lives in a more profound way and had no idea of knowing how we would be put directly into the path of someone who was hurting.

We set up our table and the students began to trickle in. The students seemed very receptive to our message, especially when learning that some of the bee products could be very economical. Students, you see, are notoriously frugal. They are also under a great amount of stress and also are a group who cannot afford to get sick. We talk to some who are beginning to suffer from allergies. We let them know how incorporating honey can help prevent symptoms of allergies. We also let them know how pollen can be taken in generous amounts during the height of the bloom in order to combat symptoms.

Pollen, it turns out, is also one of the most perfect foods a person can consume. Containing every essential amino acid, having more protein, pound for pound, than any meat one can eat. The vegetarians we spoke with were amazed. The vegans, however, were unimpressed. We told them how honey could be a really great study aid because the brain is the most sugar-hungry organ in the body.

Combining enzymes with plant resins makes propolis, and it is one of the most underutilized and valuable products produced by the hive. The honeybees use this substance for protection in a very real and broad way. The glue that holds the hive together to protect it from the elements, it is also anti-fungal, anti-viral and, generally, anti-microbial. Used as a supplement it can help reduce susceptibility to influenza (flu) and the common cold. It is also one of the most affordable substances produced by the hive. Our survey of retail shops demonstrated that this api-theraputic substance can be bought at a price much more reasonable than most common cold remedies.

During a lull in the foot traffic I had the opportunity to speak with an incredible student. She was a full time mother and student. Her life had taken many twists and turns and our helmets caused a painful memory to bubble to the surface. You see, a short time before our visit, her brother died while on a motorcycle. His life, cut short, left her with a giant whole in her heart. I felt the sorrow flow from her as she spoke of him then something remarkable happened. I heard the voice of the hive speak out. You see, the community of honeybees is truly that: a community. Worker bees sacrifice their own reproductive instincts for the benefit of the hive. The death of one is but a small sacrifice towards the ultimate goal of hive survival.
Her brother had passed on far too soon, that much was clear, but it had left her in the unique position of living her life and carrying his spirit with her. He had continued to influence her decisions and this, clearly, motivated her, too. She was doing everything she knew how to better the life of her daughter. Her being there was proof of that. The knowledge she walked away with was something that would undoubtedly benefit her family for generations, much like the life of a single honeybee.