Veeder: Discovering the Heart of Community Service Through Branding
WATFORD CITY, N.D. — Each June, our friends from Bismarck and Dickinson gather like clockwork, ready to lend a hand during our annual branding event. This delightful tradition, born out of gratitude for their hunting escapades on our ranch, transcends mere obligation; it embodies the very essence of community spirit.
The Bond of Tradition
For nearly a decade, these friends have eagerly adapted their schedules, arriving at our ranch with unwavering enthusiasm. Regardless of how fleeting our invitation might be, they rise at dawn, pack their kids, and embark on a journey to assist us in the branding pens. The air fills with laughter and camaraderie as we sort, wrestle, and tag calves.
When the hard work concludes, the delight continues. Picture this: a gathering of kids, leaping over dirt piles, their laughter echoing as they weave through trees, collecting memories alongside twinkling ticks. Meanwhile, I whip up cookies and hearty roasters of beef, culminating in the moment they all wait for—an exhilarating horse ride.
An Unwavering Commitment
This year mirrored past gatherings. We called at the last minute, and yet, our friends appeared bright and early, waiting by the pens at 8 a.m. This commitment required a 5 a.m. departure from Bismarck, while our Dickinson friends momentarily sidestepped their weekend fishing plans to help. To top off their generosity, they gifted us a hefty bag of walleye, which transformed into a delightful dinner just days later.
Lessons in Service
Nestled beside my friend in the pen, I watched her daughter, Olivia, expertly juggle tasks. Her brothers were busy spraying antiseptic and wrestling calves. Meanwhile, my daughters had traded their responsibilities for a game of pretend in the hills. Embarrassed, I suggested Olivia join them, but my friend gently reminded me, “This is our church this morning—helping our neighbors, acts of service—this is what it’s about.”
Her kids have embraced this ranch as their second home, their annual visits weaving a tapestry of cherished memories. They’ve explored every nook and cranny, from dense forests to old equipment at the top of the hill, leaving behind a treasure trove of bones, rocks, and sticks.
Simple Joys and Shared Experiences
Olivia, in particular, has an insatiable love for our animals—whether it’s horses, kittens, or goats. Each year, she rides with a fervor that surpasses my daughters’ enthusiasm. Watching these children grow and flourish on the ranch reminds me to treasure every moment.
This year, in the sweltering heat, the kids trotted atop horses with newfound independence. As I admired their growth, I daydreamed about how a horse might fit in Olivia’s town backyard and whether her family would finally take home a kitten.
The Valuable Lessons of Hard Work
Time marches on, and these kids grow stronger and wiser with each visit. I often wonder if the genuine magic of these experiences resonates with my daughters as it does with their friends.
As we returned to the branding pens, my hope soared that they would embrace the values ingrained in our community: the importance of neighborly support, dedication, and shared efforts to cultivate and appreciate our land. Even as my youngest claims she’ll escape to New York someday, I trust they will carry the sentiment of community spirit wherever they go—a quiet reminder of our roots.
Conclusion: Embracing Our Collective Heritage
In the midst of the branding chaos, I hold on to the hope that my children will learn from our neighbors about the value of reliability and choosing to help without reservation.
It’s about more than just branding calves; it’s about weaving the fabric of community that binds us together. As we reflect on these experiences, I am eternally grateful for our friends and this ranch that embodies both hard work and heartfelt connections.
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For those intrigued by stories of rural life, embracing the characters, and navigating the challenges of living in the heart of nature, dive into more of my Coming Home columns. I welcome your thoughts and reflections, so feel free to reach out at [email protected].
