Passion

PASSION: i.e. What it takes to truly be involved in this business. I have to tell you that I have come to fully believe that those people that are successful in life are the ones that are passionate about one thing or another. They live, eat and breath that thing. I have been very "frustrated" (there's that other key word) this year because I see so many kids that are working towards a goal but they have no passion for what they are doing. They have some desire but just no passion. For the past few days I have had the opportunity to work with a young man that has more passion for the cattle showing industry than almost anyone I know. It's been exhilerating watching him work. This boy can work circles around the best. And as far as an understanding of the entire industry he is lightyears ahead of most of us old farts. He can tell you the bloodlines and pedigrees of every one of his cows and almost all of the Lautner bull battery. I think he has every copy of the Show Circuit and N.L.Exhibitor memorized and can tell you on what page every ad is located. What kills me is this kid is only nine years old! Today I looked over and saw him trying to catch a steer in the headgate. He couldn't quite reach the release latch so he climbed up the chute and was hanging like a monkey. He ran 10 calves through this morning, he and his sister, who by the way is "passionate" about cattle too. They did this completely by themselves, nine and fourteen. They wouldn't stop and wanted to do more. Now I am telling you...these kids are what this industry is about. My non-cow friends ask me why I work so hard and do this every year. Well, if you could see these kids it would be a no-brainer. I would go to the wall for kids like this. They make the cattle world go round! They are what help me keep the passion going.