A Calf and A Challenge

Growing up on a small cattle farm, calving season was always my absolute favorite time of the year! There was nothing like going outside during odd hours of the day and night to see if a new baby had made its way into the world. While calving season was an exciting time, it was also very stressful and challenging.

This year, on a sunny March day, my family farm welcomed a set of twins. One was a white-faced heifer, and the other a black bull. The little white-face calf picked up on nursing right away and took to wobbling around the pen; however, her brother wasn’t learning as fast. Shortly after, I noticed that he was unable to stand. Every time he got his back legs underneath him, his front legs would wobble forward and collapse. As it turned out, the calf who we called “Mo”, had weak ankles that made it very difficult for him to stand.

Since Mo was unable to stand on his own, he was brought into our basement where he could be taken care of. I held Mo up as he drank a bottle and struggled to stand in the basement. My brother and I worked together to hold Mo up as he wobbled across the basement floor. With a little bit of tender loving care and encouragement, Mo was able to build up enough leg strength to be able to stand on his own. He was able to run and jump just like all of the other calves, and you couldn’t even tell that he had been unable to walk.

Almost three months later, Mo enjoys running through the yard, chasing chickens, and going on long walks. All of these activities are things that seemed impossible at first. These were things that no one thought he would be able to do, but that didn’t stop him. Instead of giving up when presented with a challenge, Mo continued on with the help of those around him. While Mo may have just been a calf, it doesn’t mean that we can’t learn something from him.

Throughout our lives, we will have to face many challenges. These challenges range in capacity, but nevertheless, they are still challenges. Whether it’s stepping outside of your comfort zone, trying something new in FFA, a major life decision or a bad day that seems to be getting worse, take a moment to tell yourself you can. You are capable of way more than you ever expect, and no obstacle is ever to big if you are willing to give it your all. Just like it took Mo a little while to get his footing, it might take a little time to overcome your challenge; but with the help of those around you, any difficulty can be overcome. 

In Blue and Gold,

Mickayla McGill

South Central State Vice-President