Against All Odds

This Cowboy brings a whole new meaning to the word Cowboy Up! Back in October he was asked by some friends to go to Salt Lake and do a Blue and Gold Banquet for their pack. The theme was on cowboys and 90% of the kids had never met a real cowboy. They wanted him to bring his ropes and explain what his life of a cowboy was like. How scouting helps him as a cowboy and more. So we prepared and planned for this fun opportunity. He called me from school that day telling me he was sick. The good mom I am said you sound fine go back to class and I will pick you up after school. His teacher sent him back to call me telling me he couldn't stay in class. I asked him what he ate and he told me,"orange juice and teddy grahams." I explained that of course he was going to be sick eating that for lunch. He ended up going back to class and when I picked him up I was ready for my mother of the year application. He looked terrible again. I told him he had to go to Salt Lake we didn't have time to cancel. Just before he left he threw up in the bathroom. He threw up several times on the way and on the way home but he managed to wow the kids into total silence for a good 30 mins. Dan helped him and Jenny called several times to let me know how grateful she was and what an awesome job he did. On their way home they hit a huge snow storm which made driving next to impossible. Then they stopped to get a new horse for Zeak to try out. What would normally be an hour and 15 min trip turned into almost 4 hours. Zeak spent the next day home sick and then we rode hard all weekend. The first night on the horse started in tears because he was convinced we were buying this horse to replace the one he lost at Christmas time. If Dan and I questioned anything at all he would burst into tears and say I am just giving up this isn't working. By the third day he decided that the horses we already owned were better than this new one and we could take him back. So with all odds against him from loosing his horses, standing up for who and what he is, and anything else life hands him this cowboy still keeps smiling. He amazes me with his enthusiasm and love of people and life. He keeps learning and growing even though some days feel like all odds are stacked against him. I hope that his excitement for the priesthood stays with him through his teenage years. He is so excited to get the priesthood and is ready to pass the sacrament. I love this cowboy that is turning 12 on Saturday and can't wait to see where his life takes us!