Well, our Angus cow finally had her calf. Sadly it did not survive. I’m not really sure what happened. My best guess is that the birthing process took too long and he did not get enough oxygen, or did not get it soon enough. The reason that I make this assumption is that he (it was a little bull calf) looked healthy, was fully developed, and it was cool enough that heat shouldn’t have been a problem. He was born during the night on Sunday night. On Monday morning my son and I noticed a black mound in the pasture. I glanced around and did not see any cows nearby, nor did the mound appear to be moving. My heart sank.
We went out to investigate and sure enough, a good sized male calf, all black except for a small white stripe on his belly, lay dead in the pasture.
I walked around until I found the cows. They were resting in the shade a good distance away. The Angus appeared to be in good condition, certainly not in any physical distress, so I returned to the calf.
I loaded him into a wheelbarrow and took him down to the edge of the woods where my son and I dug a grave. Actually, I dug the grave while my son tromped through the woods. Oddly enough I’m the one that ended up with poison oak.
We were all deeply disappointed by this sad event. We had been looking forward to this calf for quite a while now. The worst part was the next morning when the Angus cow was looking for her calf. She walked from one pasture to another, mooing loudly (and she rarely moos), finally ending her search where we had found the calf. I wish I could explain it to her. I can certainly empathize. I guess cows understand the ways of nature better than we humans, for they seem to move on pretty quickly. Such is the Circle of Life. Birth to death is a road we all must travel. Sometimes the journey doesn’t last as long as we think it should. Events like this are always a reminder to me that we are not in control and that we must treasure who and what we have while we have it.
I am thankful for my healthy son, my amazing husband, my supportive family, and good friends. I am thankful for enough food, a warm, or cool, house depending on the season. I am going to focus on being thankful.
What are you thankful for?
Believe it or not this is an answer to prayer. I wondered if I might have over stepped again as “Mom” but I see God is at work…..I love you! Which leads to my daily prayers of gratitude-always for my family, each one by name, for all the “things” that God has provided & I mostly take for granted-a home, food, a job, health (being ill recently, that one is big)….I’m thankful I was born in America even with all it’s problems, it’s still one of the best places to live…Northerm Michigan is a special place too. God bless Nicole.
So sad…but a lovely message in your story. Thank you for once again putting life in perspective.
I’m not always good at keeping things in perspective, but sharing actually helps. I’m so glad you liked the story.
I am thankful for my children. I am thankful for my online friends. At least now I know I’m not alone, although I still feel like I am.
It certainly helps to know that there are people who care and understand, and who will always listen. I’m so glad that you are finding those people in your life.
Such a sad story. I’m so sorry about this.
I can say that I am thankful for so many things in my life…a wonderful family, extended family and step-family; having been raised with love and compassion; my health; friends and a boyfriend who I can lean on when times are tough; a job that I love; two beautiful places I can call home.
That is a lot to be thankful for! Thanks for sharing your blessings Lindsey!
Nicole, that was a very moving and powerful post. So sorry for your loss, and also for the sadness the Angus cow is feeling. I love that both you and your son headed out for the burial. Even if he did mostly play in the woods, just having him nearby was probably helpful to you. I know that when things are not going well for me, the nearness of my son, along with his kindhearted-ness and compassion, always helps me.
Thank you Scott. With it being Easter and all the talk of resurrection, my son kept asking “When is it going to come back?” A tough concept for a kid. I felt the worst for my husband who was out of town and felt not only sad but helpless. I appreciate your kind words.