How did we get here? Part 1
Have you ever witnessed a miracle?
Have you ever experienced an instance where there are no other explanations but for it to be an act of God - an act so brazen that it stops you in your tracks and it affects you forever?
This was an act so undeniable that I could only look to Him and respond, "Ok. What next God."
I was on my own that day and feeling under the weather. Work wasn't possible, but checking the fall calving cows was non-negotiable. I mustered up the strength to get off the couch, travel to the Maysville Farm, and head on out to the pasture field. We were patiently awaiting the arrival of some very important calves. Today was the day for my Ruepert to go into labor.
My Ruepert, who just four years prior was born to a 16 month old heifer. We slept on the floor of the barn that night anticipating her arrival. Not knowing what to expect, we were relieved to find a beautiful, black-baldy heifer curled up next to mama at 1 o'clock in the morning.
A miracle in herself - she was never meant to exist. Certainly not planned, as we breed our cattle to have their first calf at 24 months of age. She was an "accident" that God turned into my star recipient.
Now, I was awaiting the arrival of the embryo she was carrying. The water bag was barely out and she was restless.
I weighed my options. Do I sit and watch from a distance or do I head back to the house for a bit? Labor had just begun and dinner felt like a necessity.
A family friend often checked this group for us and he had been in contact that afternoon. I explained the situation and told him I would message if I needed help.
Trip number two was just before dark. I quickly found my Ruepert and saw two feet. A good sign, but something just felt off.
I was on my own.
She was as far away from the chute as possible. We never calve out in this pasture, but the drought that summer forced us to make some tough decisions. I knew I couldn't do this on my own.
My husband, David, was out of town with sparse cell service. I called him with very little hope that he would answer, but he picked up. We could actually hear each other, but I was already in tears. I felt completely helpless. He calmed me down and made a phone call.
His cousin and her husband were nearby and had just finished up their chores for the evening. I messaged our friend and my sister-in-law. She and her husband were about to leave town from their sons' football game.
I traveled back across the road to meet my 7 deliverers at the shop. Everyone arrived and we piled into the side by side. The guys walked her 1.1 miles to get her across the pasture field, across the hay field, across the road, and to the chute while I ran bumper and opened gates - all in the dark.
They then helped to deliver my Marksman x Durbin 9306 bull calf. He hit the ground with fire running through his veins and was eager to get up. I immediately called David to tell him the good news.
His response?
"Well Amy, there is your show bull."
That's all it took.