It has been 1 year today, my husband Greg died from a heart attack. He was chopping ice for the cows. It was a blizzard and we were left grief stricken. I have tried very hard to keep our commitment to doing what we wanted to do. Raise some cows and enjoy the country. Today the weather was just about as miserable as it gets. I have been worrying over one of my Jersey Milk Cows, who had a due date of Dec 13th. I have been hoping she would just wait a few more days until it would warm into the 20's. I arrived home tonite and after tossing some hay to the big girls I didn't notice Thelma with the bunch. I didn't intend on putting her in her own pen until she it was a little closer. I had her AI'd so I could time it pretty close.
I made it to the barn and the calf had been born but was pretty cold. I tried several things..heat lamp..blow drier...straw...towels. Then decided..my own feet were freezing and I didn't think it would be any better for this baby. The cow was easy to milk and I brought a bottle of her rich colostrum milk. My youngest son, 15 and I managed to get the calf hauled up to the house. Greg would of loved the idea of us bringing this baby into the house and would of been so excited for the beautiful cross of Guernsey/Jersey we got. I think he is smiling and also...chuckling over our fumbling around trying to figure out a solution. I think they call this weather "character building". We definitely got a dose of it tonite!
You are one strong gal! Sorry to read about the loss of your husband. How wonderful you brought the calf into the house. From one gal to another, I admire your strength and compassion.
ReplyDeleteOne year. I'm so sorry. I bet it's been a hard, hard, road and I know you will never be the same. Funny how life just keeps movin' on...doesn't pause for no one, no how.
ReplyDeleteAnd then we have these new arrivals and we know life continues. Precious and cyclical. You are a strong, strong woman and you always give me such great words of wisdom... I love your new baby and I'm sure Greg was chuckling while he watched you and your son tend to Rudy by the fireside!
Just so you know....Greg was and is proud of all you do! I'm is spy here on earth so KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!
ReplyDeleteI found you from Barbara's blog (3 acre homestead) and was just readin' around on yours. I am sorry to hear that you no longer have your country man beside you but I know he is so proud of how you have continued the dreams that you dreamed together. You amaze me how you keep up with all the demands of farming. May the Lord Bless you and Keep you!
ReplyDeleteYou go Girl!
Tonya
wimberlyfarms.com