People grow through experience
if they meet life honestly and courageously.
This is how character is built.
~Eleanor Roosevelt~

My usual daily trail looks something like one of those whirlwinds that kick up on the desert floor. I’ve been traveling at such a high rate of speed and spin that it was inevitable that there would eventually be that rock wall that I’d hit. I’m not sure when it was this spring that I lost my ability to appreciate my days and the people in them. Somewhere between juggling too many day jobs, mountains of “must do” and the clock I’m always racing, something got lost.

I realize we can all be accused of taking things for granted; I’ve sure been guilty of it these last few months. The lesson hit home hard just a couple of weeks ago when in my little corner of the world, we lost Jerry Rose, a good friend and neighbor. I would see Jerry virtually every day I was in town. Our pastures run side by side and every day he was out feeding hay, his two little dogs perched on the four wheeler with him as they towed the hay trailer behind. We never failed to greet each other with a wave, or if time prevailed, have that over the fence chat.

I always took great comfort in knowing Jerry was there, for he was the kind of man that would never waiver to lend a helping hand and dispense the wisdom he had acquired over the years. One rainy late afternoon as the sun finally started to break through, Jerry and I were out feeding in our respective pastures. I looked over and saw him standing on the trailer to get my attention, and when I looked up towards where he was pointing, a magnificent sunset was closing down on what had been a gloomy day.

We watched for awhile as it set, and then waved goodbye. The past weeks have taught me to stop and appreciate my family, my neighbors and those people that line my pathway everyday. It’s time to slow down on the trail and take in more sunsets.

We have some very interesting articles this month. Heather Smith Thomas brought us an update on BVD in March, and has now turned up some very pertinent information that can be used in your herds in this month’s “Tests for BVD” article. Straight from the headlines is the “Corn Conundrum” article by Kindra Gordon that I believe you’ll find very useful. It is at this juncture that I would like to extend the sympathies of the entire Western Cowman staff to Wes Ishmael and his family on the loss of his mother in late April. I also want to thank Wes for sharing with us a glimpse of this special woman in a very poignant Hooter story this month.

Gathering speed and momentum is our July/August Big Bull Book, Fall Edition. I believe it may be our best big book yet. Call now for those needing to reserve advertising space. Grab a spot on the porch steps and kick back with this exceptional issue. I plan to stay the trail, and as I watch tonight’s sunset, I’ll be tipping my cap to Jerry. Stay satisfied, stay exceptional, and keep it in slow gear…….Happy Trails.