It’s often in the moments you least expect, that someone is watching and learning from what you’re doing. As a mom of three, I think about that a lot. We spend a huge chunk of spring, summer and fall attending livestock shows where our kids have the opportunity and privilege to learn from many different people.
Breeders, judges, industry leaders, family friends – I sincerely want to thank you for helping us raise our kids to know that there is something bigger in this world than just what we see in our hometown.
Because of your investment of time in their lives, they know the world is big. And isn’t that half of the battle? To realize there is so much more in our world besides us?
This hit home the other day when one of our kids remarked that they feel sorry for kids who don’t have those opportunities.
“I can go almost anywhere in the country and know someone because of the livestock industry – that’s pretty amazing,” my unidentified child told me. “And I know they’ll be there for me.”
At the end of the day, the relationships they are developing, the connections they are making, the ideas they are forming and the knowledge they are gaining, are helping them build a confidence that we simply can’t give them on our own.
So I wanted to stop for a minute to say thank you.
- To the families we show with all summer, thank you for asking our kids questions and showing that you are interested in their lives. A little comment about their new hair style or asking them about their recovery from an injury means you saw them. It may sound silly, but in a world where people are so preoccupied, you took time to make a teenage kid feel seen. (Oh and thanks for sharing your snacks, too!)
- To the breeders who graciously allow us to buy and show your pigs, thank you for trusting our kids to do their best to care for the animals you raised. Thanks for investing time into checking in on them, listening to their perspectives and offering your advice. You’ll never know what a big impact you’ve had on shaping how they see livestock and how they see the agriculture industry.
- To the organizers of the junior shows who pour their time, talents and energy into making youth livestock shows possible, thank you. The doors you open for young people to find their place in the livestock industry is a gift I don’t take for granted. A lot of things vie for the hearts and minds of young people today. Thank you for making these events and shows possible.
- To the judges who step into the ring and make hard decisions all day long, who share their expertise and knowledge, and inspire our kids to be like them someday, thank you. Every time I look at the pictures of judges congratulating our kids this summer, I tear up. Your hugs and handshakes will be felt in their life long past that moment in the show ring.
The Long Game
Our kids miss out on many social opportunities locally because they have chores or are gone showing on the weekends. Admittedly, it can be tough at times when they get left out of things. As a parent I’ve asked myself a time or two if the sacrifice is worth it.
Parenting is a long game. We’re building resilient decisionmakers capable of doing hard things – but also capable of kindness, gratitude and appreciation for others. As parents, we need to remember the momentary losses for the long-term gains are worth it. Don’t lose sight of what you are doing to open up their eyes to future opportunities. No, the stock show lifestyle isn’t easy, but it’s worth it.
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