Cowgirl Sass & Savvy

Hug an old-timer today

by Julie Carter

Heaven has gathered up a fine collection of good cowboys over the years. You have to know they are sitting around in a circle of hay bales spittin' and whittlin'.

They are telling stories about the good horses they rode and wild wrecks they had -almost always involving a horse, cow and rope. They look out over green pastures that never run out of grass for the fat cattle on a thousand hills. 

There are a couple of cowboys in heaven that hardly a day goes by I don't think about them and acknowledge that place in my heart where "missing someone" is stored.

Every week when I sit down to write another story about cowboys and their way of life, I give them a moment of silent gratitude, because those cowboys were my foundational education for cowboying.

Both were fine men who are remembered with honor for their knowledge and abilities in ranching in an era that is no more. They are my dad, followed by my step-dad some years after my dad passed away.

I have realized that what they taught me was not just about punching cows and riding a good horse right, they passed on a wealth of understanding about honor, right living, and loving the life that so few ever get to experience.

The things they taught were lived in front of me, but not always spoken. The lessons fit life for everyone, not just the cowboy. 

  Slow is fast. Work cattle slow and your day will get over sooner and in better shape. Exercising quiet patience is good with cattle, horses, kids and

women.

  A very few well-placed words carry more authority than a long speech.

  Polite ways will open doors and keep many from slamming shut.

  Good horses, good grass and a good cow dog will make a cowboy about as content as he can be. Throw in a wife who can cook and a pickup that will run and it's bliss defined.

  Laugh everyday about something. It soothes the soul and feeds the spirit.

  Mother Nature has the upper hand. Know it, respect it. Don't fight her, it's a fixed fight.

  Wet saddle blankets make good horses and respectful kids. Hard work is a solid foundation for the cowboy and the horse he rode in on.

  Enjoy the little things. Take time to pat the dog, soothe the colt, watch the sunrise and the sunset. Tomorrow is not promised.

  Make good memories. It'll keep you too busy to make bad enemies.

  Honesty and integrity are two of the best horses you'll ever ride.

I look around me and see so few of that generation of cowboy still living. But, those that are, still have an ornery twinkle in their eyes and a look that says "wisdom of the ages." Don't be deceived by his labored walk and his bent hands. Inside he stores more of life than most of us will ever see.

Next time, and every time you get a chance, give that old-timer a hug. His value has already been established up "yonder" in the big corral in the sky. He's just hanging around here a while longer hoping some of us will learn a few more lessons. 

All we have to do is listen.

Julie can be reached for comment at jcarter@tularosa.net