Everyone has people who make a difference in their lives, whether it is a friend, family member, role model, or random stranger in passing. My role model was my grandpa; he instilled my love for the Limousin breed, taught me showing was about more than winning banners, he showed me that people were always watching so I owed it to them to be the best version of myself I could be, and most importantly to glorify God in all I do. Most of you reading this know that he unfortunately passed away at the end of July. Since his passing I have shown twice, and both times I caught myself glancing ringside with tears in my eyes because I knew someone was missing.
I say all of that with this in mind- showing cattle is more about the people than the cattle. It’s about the impact you make on people in passing, glorifying God win or lose, and it’s about doing it with the people you love and appreciating those who helped you get to where you are. I encourage everyone to take a moment to appreciate the people who allow you to be involved in the industry. Showing livestock is not cheap, nor is it an easy thing to do; it’s countless hours and thousands of dollars that our parents give up not because they have to do it, but because they want to. I am thankful for every animal I have been on the halter of, but I am more thankful for the people in the backdrops, late-night talks while clipping, and early mornings spent arguing over if we forgot something. I learned that it’s the little things I took for granted and miss the most. So I encourage you to find joy in the hard things, appreciate the little things, never take a moment for granted, and most of all make sure your crew knows how thankful you are for them because none of us could do this alone.
I want to leave everyone with this. As you go through your chores at home, show prep, and show day remember to be thankful for the people around you and enjoy the little moments because you never know when they will not be standing ringside anymore; and when you face unexpected challenges or adversity don’t give up- get back to work and live like Steve.
Samantha Pecco, NALJA Board of Directors, Social Media Chair