If you’ve been following the weather in the past six months, you’ll know that we farm folks have been experiencing a growing and harvest season that we will talk about for years.
Hot-Cold
Dry-Wet
Windy-Calm
Snow-Sun
Sounds like the opposing emotions of a teenager, right?
Thus, it is only apropos that this is the year our Josie became a teenager. Josie’s entrance into the world was an easy one. Our tiniest full term baby, she entered the world in an uneventfully pleasant way on a warm fall day (between a gentleman choosing his cases for the final “Deal or No Deal” and him not winning the grand prize). She came home to a loving big sister, a freshly remodeled farmhouse, new furniture and a happy little family.
Two days later, the snow came.
17 inches of it.
It was the first snowstorm I experienced as a “country person.” Meaning, we weren’t dug out until a few days later, only after our own tractors had cleared a path so that our new baby and this mom “might” be able to get out, should we need to.
We didn’t need to, thankfully.
Anyway, this up and down weather pattern mimics our sweet, sassy Josie. When this kid is “in it,” she’s ALL in. When she’s not, there’s no changing her mind. When she’s in a good mood, she’s the most helpful, happy, pleasant child we can manage. When she’s not…well, she’s not.
There is little gray area in our newly minted teenager. Frustrating at times, her passionate attitude makes life with Josie interesting. Her desire, her fierce determination, her spunk: these will all serve her well. While it might make seventh grade a bit trying at times, I see a bright future full of big accomplishments ahead of this headstrong kid.
Josie has opened the door for so many opportunities for our family. She will take us to Denver to hear her sing in front of thousands of people in just about six weeks. Her presence on stage is one to celebrate. Her determination to finish things that are hard when she really, really wants to quit makes that big smile on her face when she did it worth the “C’mon Josie!” cheer that we shout. Often.
Her grit and fierce determination pushes her every day, in every opportunity. Ask her about her rally during last summer’s show thanks to a large hamburger and a Frappuccino combination that shall never be repeated. How about her ability to step up and place in the top 5 in public speaking at her first national Simmental competition? While frustration can cripple her at times, this kid grits her teeth and figures it out.
Life on the farm is similar. Grit your teeth. Figure it out. Life is hard. Storms are unpredictable…similar to life with a teenager, right?
So on her day, we celebrate this fiery young lady. We celebrate her ups and downs and watch with excitement as she soars off to do those big things that we knew this little sprite would do.
Josie, you are going to do big things, I just know it. Your dad and I will always guide you to always choose words that are kind, choices that are reasonable, and friends who will build you up. Your talent will serve you well, but it is your hard work that will catapult you to success. Keep working hard. Keep honing the skills that will set you apart, but always know that your worth is more than applause and likes. You are made of strong stuff that God has big plans for. L
We love you. All of you. All the time. Always.
Love, Mom
Love, Mom
Always posing…even at age 3
Our showman