Family Farm Friday #83: The Point

In sticking with the fair theme that I started yesterday, I came across a great poem that I had to share.  This one hit home for me.  First, because I have a dad (and a Mr. Franklin) who gave similar speeches.  And second, because as a 9 year old kid whose lambs were NOT good, I told everyone that would listen that one day I would raise a lamb that would win a class at the State Fair.  My last time to step into the ring at State Fair, I got that blue ribbon.  But the ribbon--cool as it was--was not the point.  The point was the goal I set when I was 9.  One that seemed unachievable.  One that I had to work towards for the next 10 years.  That was the point.  I think those of you who have set foot in a show ring will completely understand.

Dad Talks to His Son Before The First Time He Shows A Calf

 

 

This is your first time on the tanbark. I hope you win.

I hope you win for your sake, not mine.

Because winning is nice.

It’s a good feeling

Like the whole world is yours.

But, it passes, this feeling.

And what lasts is what you’ve learned

And what you learn about is life.

That’s what most competition is all about; life.

The whole thing is played out in three laps around the ring.

The happiness of life.

The miseries.

The joys.

The heartbreaks.

There’s no telling what’ll turn up.

There’s no telling whether you’ll be DAL, bridesmaid or champion.

You might have fitted a champion or the last place animal.

There’s just no telling, even when we think we have a good one.

Too much depends on chance.

On how one judge sees the line-up on one day.

I’m not just talking about the game, boy.

I’m talking about Life.

But, it's life that the game is all about.

Just as I said, life is a serious game; Dead serious.

But that’s what you do with serious things. You do your best.

 

Fit every calf like you are headed for the colored tanbark of Madison; give life your best every day.

Winning is fun, sure.

But winning is not the point.

Wanting to win is the point.

Not giving up is the point.

Never being satisfied with what you’ve done is the point.

Never letting up is the point.

Never letting anyone down, calf or man, is the point.

Play to win. Now handle that halter like you have it on a champion.