Spring Storm

I have a particular memory from my childhood of a spring storm, much like today. We lived where my Mom lives now; after the morning chores my dad felt he really needed to get to the “other place”. We had stock cows on that farm that he had not been able to get to for days. The “other place” was a farm they own 5 miles from our farm. The snow plow had not gone by yet so this meant he would have to walk. I remember my Mom wrapping the scarf around his neck and watching him head out the door. We didn't have a cell phone of course (because they were not invented yet); I don’t remember if we had power. We didn't hear from him all day. At one point a farm wife from a nearby farm called mom to let her know he had made it there and he and Art were heading to help another neighbor who had lost a number of cows in the storm. They would help get hay and water to surviving animals.

     I am not sure if any of our cattle were lost in that storm, but I know people did lose them. I recall being sad about that; but not thinking about what the farmers had to do to make a living; it is astounding to me. If you have walked or run 5 miles in good conditions, imagine bundling up in coveralls and walking through deep snow 5 miles.  When you arrive there is not electricity to warm you, just an old barn to get you out of the howling wind.

     He worked hard because those cattle meant a lot to him, helping the neighbors was important and it didn't matter what the obstacles were. He worked to overcome them. Life was good.