“My Kids Used to Show”
We climb the bleachers slowly at this weekend’s cattle show, our knees very stiff and backs given out long ago.
But our eyes are as bright as a child as we sit down today; “My kids used to show” we proudly say.
We did it without Siri, Google, or GPS to tap. We found obscure fairgrounds Indiana Jones-ing it with only a flashlight and map.
There was no screen time to pass hours through the day, maybe just a coloring book, rope, or toy tractor tucked away.
Sitting around the showbox, our kids laughed the hours away, not playing XBox in the trailer like some do today.
Would you believe we showed with no living quarters at all?
In a pinch we’ve slept in our trucks or alongside cattle at the stalls.
We took care of business plain and simple like, and did all we could to raise our kids right.
There was no cell phone to call if you forgot something for the show, or road service to text for a fix or a tow.
The lucky ones like me had show friends to rely on, to borrow an item or caravan along.
It meant something for a friend to say, “I’ll follow you as far as that town and then I’ll turn my way”.
You smiled with thanks as you loaded your own, knowing for you that friend was taking a longer way home.
We travelled all night without cell phones, on dark country roads when you’re truly alone.
When your last caravan buddy peels off at their exit with a “goodnight” tap of their lights, in the long wee hours of those tired rainy nights.
Riding on your last spare tire, everyone else sound asleep as they snore; you’re praying to make it home, just a few miles more.
So when you see us sitting down the bleachers from you, remember we’ve raised our kids to be vets, ag teachers, and an industry leader or two.
We’ve helped start a youth program for our communities and breed, with our love of ag and kids, we’ve planted a seed.
Sure, our pictures and banners we chased faded years ago, but our fire burns just as brightly to watch today’s show.
So give a smile, a hand up, or tip of the hat down the row. In the blink of an eye you’ll also look back and say “My kids used to show”.
By Ramona Petrosky for Ranch House Designs, Inc.