Against the Wind

This was typed and tucked into a note that Larry Harris wrote to me a few years ago. It was right after Kelly was diagnosed with Parkinson's and we were trying to figure out medicines, treatments, etc. It was a difficult road. Kelly was discouraged. It was hard seeing him like that because he is usually very optimistic. He has a terrific doctor and now feels much more like himself as he stays with his routine and medicines. We are being blessed in this area of our lives and we recognize it.

But...during that difficult time....this message spoke to my heart. Thought I would post it.

(It was quoted by Dallin H. Oaks in a talk called "Adversity". He attributed it to Elaine Cannon.)

"An old cowboy said he had learned life's most important lessons from Hereford cows. All his life he had worked cattle ranches where winter storms took a heavy toll among the herds. Freezing rains whipped across the prairies. Howling, bitter winds piled snow into enormous drifts. Temperatures might drop quickly to below zero degrees. Flying ice cut into the flesh. In this maelstrom of nature's violence most cattle would turn their backs to the ice blasts and slowly drift downwind, mile upon mile. Finally, intercepted by a boundary fence, they would pile up against the barrier and die by the scores.
But the Herefords acted differently. Cattle of this breed would instinctively head into the windward end of the range. There they would stand shoulder-to-shoulder facing the storm's blast, heads down against its onslaught.
'You always found the Herefords alive and well,' said the cowboy. 'I guess it's the greatest lesson I ever learned on the prairies - just face life's storms.'"

I read this again the other day and can't get it out of my mind. I just want to say thank you to all who stand shoulder-to-shoulder with me. I know many of you look at this now and then...and you know who you are. Most of all...my husband and children. Thanks, guys.
But there are others. And I love you and appreciate your shoulders next to mine.
We can face the wind together.