01/24/2025
Sometimes I meet someone and I think, boy, I wish they had a calf to take care of.
I wish they could experience how it changes a person. The highs and the lows. The wins and the losses. The births and the deaths. Hellos and goodbyes. They make you tougher and softer at the same time.
I wish they could know what it is like to have something rely on you. For food, water, shelter, health, etc and there is no outward appreciation in return. And despite the seeming lack of appreciation in a way most humans would understand, you do it anyway. Because as much as they rely on you, in a way, you rely on them too.
I wish they could learn the lessons of negotiation, compromise, selflessness in early mornings and late nights. With dirty hands and sweaty arm pits and stinky shoes. And you spend so much time like that, you don’t even see it or smell it because you are too tired to care.
I wish they could know the feeling of dedication and consistency that is required. Without fail. And that despite that effort, sometimes it still doesn’t work out in your favor. But you’d do it all over again. And will.
I wish they could understand the community that is developed from having a calf to take care of. The bond it creates among adults and children alike. That some of the dearest friends you’ll ever have are hours away all because you share in a love of our community.
I wish they could feel what it is like to do all that. In one singular but mighty and complex task. With your family.
If they had a calf to take care of, maybe they wouldn’t be so quick to pass judgement on how folks like us choose to spend our time.
-From a Mom just trying to raise good humans in a world that understands agriculture less and less each passing year
