She’s more than a cow. She is who greets us every morning for the daily move to fresh grass. She is the momma whose maternal instincts terrified you when you tagged her baby. This momma is even more than that. She is years of thought, sweat, and effort to get just the right genetics to work on your land. Her momma and her momma before her carefully cultivated, watched and developed to eat the forage on the ranch in the most efficient manner, physically perfected to survive the climate and terrain of the ranch.
So, selling this cow to some would be no big deal. To us, she is a little like family. We have watched her everyday of her life, from her first breath, her ‘teenage’ years where we saw her grow into a cow that would become a valued team member of our ranch. We were there when she had her first calf, and saw her nurture that baby into a solid calf. Today, a drought has forced us to make difficult decisions on the ranch. We are nearly out of grass, and hay prices are sky-high. So, we are selling cows, this cow. We pray that whoever buys her appreciates the work and love that has gone into raising her and the others that had to go. She is a gentle cow and will move like a dream and maybe she will even beg for a treat from your hand. After a lifetime of buying and selling and being blessed enough to raise God’s creatures your would think it would get easier. It doesn’t. But when the weather changes the best laid plans you have for the ranch and the animals you are caring for, a part of your heart loads on the truck with them.
We know all too well as ranchers that we are at the mercy of the elements, Mother Nature and the Good Lord have a plan for us, and we have to be able to roll with it. No amount of complaining, cursing or anything else will change what the weather is. God and Mother Nature are all we have that is a constant. Heaven knows that the markets, feed prices, government programs, the weather will change every plan you have. We know that we are not the only ranchers and farmers making hard decisions with this economic and weather climate, and our hearts and prayers are with all of you. Things could be worse, far more people are dealing with far worse things, and this too shall pass.
For today, though, we will shed a tear or two for the mommas we shipped ~ tomorrow we will rise and put a smile on our faces and go care for the animals we still have and we will pray for rain and blessings for all. A wise pastor preached exactly what we needed reminding of this week~ the Lord said “do not let your hearts be troubled….I got you”
Today we celebrate Mom. I used to not have a lot of emotion about this day. All it meant to me was it was a day to celebrate something that I wasn’t. That giant, gaping, big old hole in my heart and soul was empty, dark, and, well, even emptier. So, I prayed. I prayed hard that the hole would find a way to be filled. I had no idea what I was going to be blessed with, but I was so empty, that I knew something would be better than nothing. Boy, I had no idea what was in store for me…
They say that a baby boy is just a superhero in disguise. This sweet little man sure has the perfect ingredients for a superhero, a big heart, a gentle smile, a faithful sidekick, and the firm foundation to let his talents soar. I was blessed to be able to spend an afternoon with Mr. C and his family to capture some sweet moments of one of his first days at home.
Aw gosh. I feel like all my posts wax poetically about family. And they probably do. But, I have been blessed to once again work with an awesome family, that happens to be a fantastic looking bunch.
Last Sunday I had the privilege of getting to spend the afternoon with one of the most fun families around. We had a great time exploring the Ozarks backroads and playing in the creek bed. These four littles and their mom and dad are a true example of family and it was a joy to spend the afternoon with them 🙂
2sdaysgirl 