Who are we — Really?

by Linda Jordens Galayda, Texas Rancher Girl

I had another story lined up to share, but yesterday an event occurred that changed everything. I received a phone call from one of my dearest friends that her family ranch in Kansas had been devastated by the fires that have been sweeping across the Texas Panhandle, Oklahoma, and Kansas. I say my friend called, but I think of her and her family as my family. And isn’t that part of who we are, a community of ranchers, that thinks of our friends and our neighbors as family?

The Giles family and the Gardiners lost their homes, cattle, horses, and suffered indescribable property damage. These historical ranch families have some irreplaceable losses and some losses that only time and hard work can fix. In the days and weeks ahead, they will have to make decisions and perform acts of humane kindness that will only lead to more heartbreak. But although their spirits may be dampened, their souls are intact. Their hearts may be broken, but not their resilience or determination.

I want to talk about a few things in this day and age. In today’s fast-paced, aggressive, competitive world we have become fixated on technological advances, marketing strategies, forage production, genetic advances, and so much more. The wealth of information now is overwhelming. Our ability to connect is vast and unlimited. But at times I think all that information and social networking only isolates and disconnects us as human beings. Now don’t get me wrong, I see the benefit and the value, but not when it robs us of our heart-to-heart connectivity, compassion or kindness. It is the people that make it all work; and yet, we talk about all our advances as if they just happened by some stroke of good fortune. So let’s not forget about the people – I’m just saying!

Ranching takes courage. It takes hardworking people who act with urgency, kindness and compassion. And sometimes that compassion takes the most difficult action, like having to terminate the life of a suffering animal. Yes, we grieve, but we know that ranching requires persistence, determination and fortitude. But here is the best part of who we are: no matter what difficulties we face, we know that we are part of a community – a family of other farmers and ranchers. It will be other ranchers who arrive in difficult times with comfort, food, and a good work ethic. We will arrive with the needed supplies, equipment, hay and water for livestock. We will bring our knowledge, expertise and our ability to get the job done. We will go to work without hesitation, working tirelessly behind the scenes until the job is finished. And the best part of who we are is that we are not looking for payment, gratitude or recognition.

When the fires are out, ranches are restored, and hearts are mended, there will be plenty of time for shared good times, such as a good cup of coffee and a home cooked meal. Love and laughter will be in the air, stories will be told, memories will be shared, and life will be celebrated. Those are the times that build the foundation that makes us grab hold of each other so tightly when adversity comes. No, it won’t be Facebook, Twitter or Snapchat; it will be arms to hold, a voice to comfort, hands to help out, and the courage to step up.

So that’s who we are: a community of farmers and ranchers that understand and are ready and willing to stand with you. We are your neighbors and your friends; we are your family. We will be the ones who answer your call to come home.

We hope you will join us online at www.TexasRancherGirl.com and like us on Facebook. We look forward to sharing our stories, inspiring you, and connecting all of you that belong to the ranching family.