Telling Your Story
As of two weeks ago, we are back in the sheep business, thanks to online auctions.
As of a week ago, the sheep are all settled into their new home.
As of about a month ago, we also reentered the cattle business with an infusion of bred cows and heifers, again thanks to online sales.
It feels good to see some livestock here on the farm, which is something that's been missing, except for a handful of hens since we moved to this location, about a hundred miles from home. This is why we moved; this is why we pulled up stakes—so that there was space for opportunity.
And finally, finally, there is a beginning. There is at least a door in the tunnel. I wouldn't call it a light at the end of the tunnel, but at least the tunnel opened to possibility. At least it wasn't all in vain.
Waiting is hard, especially when you want to see results in a hurry. Sometimes you just have to knuckle under and do hard things. Some seasons of life seem to bring on more of the hard things than the pleasant things. Who wouldn't rather do easy things, like chat with friends and rock the afternoon away on the front porch with a good book? But life isn't meant to be all rocking chairs and entertainment.
And sometimes, you just have to wait.
The cattle were marketed as fall calving. Apparently they aren't familiar with Michigan's calendar because four of them are now nursing calves, and the first one calved three days after she arrived in June. At least the calves are entertaining, if not a little bit wild. We named the first one to hit the ground Sonja, after a grandmotherly woman at church. Both Sonja's have attitude mixed with a wild side. Church Sonja's last name is Sherman, and she was a head nurse in a hospital. Her nickname was General Sherman. The first calf born does things her own way and on her own timeline, too. Church Sonja and farm Sonja have plenty in common.
In another year, there will be lambs on the ground. When you can't see the progress under your nose, it's good to look back and see where you began and where you are today. One year can make a big difference whether it's livestock, a savings account, health, goals or whatever it is you happen to be working and waiting upon.
Now we are in a different kind of waiting—waiting to sell and market a crop. But at least one kind of waiting is over, and it's good to be back.
Bev Berens is a freelance writer and FFA parent from Holland, Mich. She can be contacted at uphillfarm494@yahoo.com.