04/18/2018
A Cowboy
Cowboy . . . some would say a poor, uncouth, uneducated, brash individual with only the ability to be the caretaker of a more prominent person's livestock, with his net worth being a truly frightening financial statement.
Myself I think the name Cowboy should be synonymous with Doctor, Trainer, Visionary, Meteorologist, Diplomat, Teacher, Athlete, Family Friend and Preacher.
Doctor . . . Who else could look at an animal that has no way of communicating the fact that it's body is aching from fever, it's lungs are filling with fluid and diagnose this, treat it accordingly and save it's life . . .
Doctor? Cowboy!
Trainer . . . Who else could take an animal that is unbroken or untrained and convince these animals to not only carry him and his equipment, but to accurately help him perform the duties required of them. Who else would take on a wild bull that outweighs him 10 to 15 times and convince him to go into a pen that he does not want to go in or stand in one place when he wishes to be in another . . .
Trainer? Cowboy!
Visionary . . . To be able to look into a colt's eyes and see a future champion on the ranch or in the arena. To look at the confirmation of a calf and see a Grand Champion sire. To look in the eye of a three day old calf and see a future bucking bull of the year. To see the sparkle in a toddler's eye that tells him a new champion is on the way. A bare piece of ground that will be a productive ranch or just a concept that will change lives.
Visionary? Cowboy!
Meteorologist . . . Who else could look at a set of cattle and know by their movement or eating habits that a storm was coming and be prepared for it. Who else would be there regardless of the fact that it is -20 or 110 degrees, raining, sleeting or snow blowing at forty miles per hour.
Meteorologist? Cowboy!
Diplomat . . . Who else would walk into the middle of an angry group of people arguing over boundaries, water rights, ownership or various other things and when done everyone leaves smiling and shaking hands.
Diplomat? Cowboy!
Teacher . . . Who else would strive to instruct his children or other interested individuals in the components of an occupation that is considered a bygone era. To instill in them a sense of pride, etiquette and sportsmanship.
Teacher? Cowboy!
Athlete . . . Why would someone who would perform his duties at twelve to sixteen hour days at a pace that would drop most endurance runners be considered an athlete? Why would someone who must possess the ability to out maneuver or manipulate animals ten times his size be considered athletic?
Athlete? Cowboy!
Family . . . Why would someone who's net worth is measured by the way his family feels about him be considerate of family? Whose greatest rewards are the words Dear . . . Dad . . . Papa . . Who's sole meaning in life is . . .
Family? Cowboy!
Friend . . . Who would take on his work and the work of his neighbor, when the only mention was that of an illness or accident? Who would give another his last dollar without a thought when asked? Who else would be there when all others turned their back?
Friend? Cowboy!
Preacher . . . How could this brash, sometimes unruly fun loving person ever be considered spiritual? How could he speak the words of God in his menial duties as a livestock caretaker, even though his days start with scripture and a prayer? That God would bless him with the ability to look after his stock, to be patient with them, to see things that are yet to come, to bless his environment, to grant him the wisdom to help those around him, to teach his ways, to be strong in the face of adversity, to bless and protect his family and friends, and to be a witness in his everyday life.
Preacher? Cowboy!
By Richard E. Nevels
Never a Champion always a Cowboy!
