Loss

     In the mildness of a picture perfect morning with towels and blankets drying under the sun, in theory it seemed that I had a theme coming on of loss: a tooth, an SEC game (in actuality nonconsequental for me), and all 4 kittens (1 given away, 1 killed in an engine, and 2 vanished).  But the loss of a calf that we pulled so hard for, practically willing it to live, is another ballgame.  After finally hitting on good advice from a Vet, we were confident for a good outcome.  Keeping them on their feet and hydrated is crucial to recovery regardless of the condition they're suffering from.  For her sister's calf, Miranda created a sling under the porch.  We learned how to make homemade Gatorade to bottlefeed them, even using syringes to force feed.  We used all sorts of homeopathic and pharmaceutical medicines I've listed on Facebook statuses.  After tucking it into bed with other sick calves to each side and covered with a blanket of hay; she got up Tuesday morning, made it a bottle, and slid on her boots, only to find it cold and lifeless.
     Pray that McKala sees whatever she's meant to "see" in all this.  Michael has 4 calves of his own, but McKala's are the only ones to have been burdened with the 3 sicknesses, even though they're housed together.  No one in this family could hold a light to Job, but in its own small way, I can't help but find comparison.  She's lost half of her calves and his have harldy come down with anything.  In her heart of hearts, there must be questions.  It's particularly wrenching because she is a born nurturer.  (Incidentally, I read an article from a century ago that said farm "wives" generally have better success with calves.)  Again, pray that humility, strength, and faith are gained in this trial and that she is not brought to her knees in weakness for anything other than to seek the ways of the Lord. 
     Practically speaking, since every expense for the calves is theirs, she now only has prospects for half her earnings.  And of course, her profit margin is moved because of her endeavors to save them.  I'm well aware that these complications beg questions about purposefully removing a baby from its healthy mother.  Well, if you're drinking cows' milk off the shelves of a store, it's necessitated.  Our county has the hightest number of dairy cows in the state.  Michael may have come up with his own solution to use his auction makings to purchase a young heifer, even though her price comes at 10 times what her male counterpart does.  Then, a natural course can be taken with them. 
     I'm sure the Vet, whose number I have burned in my memory now, wishes people like us were more informed.  We thought we were, "seeing how" we raised other ones, but with little difficulty.  One thing we "have" learned is that "oldtime" remedies don't always get you "out of the woods".  Remember, there are was a lot of death in olden times - survival of the fittest and fortunate, if you will.  Too, never forget, disease is most evil in its ever mutating presence, lurking around every corner.
     Although I think I'd make an awfully good "poop consultant" now because what goes into a cow and comes out is the lifeblood, she had 2 other calves looking hardy "yester"morning (as one of the kids used to say; then again, I guess it was "to"morning Michael would say :) and we called DVM Pendergrass out to insure we had all the bases covered.
     So listen, it's never right to try and be the exception to every rule, but it surely is refreshing to find someone who knows when to make one, someone who loves what he does and doesn't bind himself to red tape.  I had to leave to dispose of the carcass properly (yes, there are places for that) and get Michael to basketball practice on time.  The young bovine/equine doctor came and gave McKala loads of information and in writing answered every question I'd listed.  The kids report that he was completely open and friendly with all of them, just casually enjoying the environment and the dogs underfoot.  He administered 7 shots and gave her a bill for only $95.  At no charge, he gave her a big tube of vitamin paste and I know what his regular fees are.  So yeah, another thank you note is in the works.
     There are several morals to this story but I'll pose this one to you.  All right, McKala tried everything and spent days to salvage the lives of her calves.  Those profits would've gone to more business and a commendable cause.  Should Michael get his expected price, would you have him give some to McKala since hers will likely be half, although she gave it every effort?  If you think this is an absurd question, do not misunderstand me when I tell you I've met people of late who live by a new world philosophy.  It is their answer to philanthropy.  They have absolutely no feel for reality and the discouragement that will come upon Michael when he realizes his own success little more than averaged out.  I wouldn't even encourage him to share.  If God laid it on his heart, it'd be a different story, but no "entity" should require such goings on.  In fact, McKala offered to him a weekly doing of his kitchen duty and a cleaning of his bathroom for all the help he gave her in literally getting the calves to their feet and giving injections until she got up the nerve to do them herself.  (He also cared for them so she could go to a game ...and so she could regain composure after the deaths ...and then there was the morning she had thrown up in the night.)  Loss does not entitle anyone to anything.  Ideally, it makes us more reliant on the persuasions of God, not on government.
     Not convinced?  That 3 1/2 years ago, when we lost all equity in everything we had, I had no dillusions that government should save our home and property.  No doubt that we got through it by the graciousness of family, friends, and even strangers we'd never laid eyes on.  Social Services covered insurance and groceries for a year and although we aren't completely on our feet, I don't expect them to insure me, house me, or feed me.  "Progressive" people with their heads in the clouds totally lack understanding, claiming that it's our human obligation to provide for the less endowed, BUT there's a mighty good chance that a lot of them are negligibly responsible for their own demise, too lazy or proud to take any given job ...much less whether the people are legal to start with.  Don't doubt me on this; remember, I was in the system.  Mike banked lots last month and even with borrowing and only splurging with one meal out with the family and a motorcycle rental, there was less than $1K after all self employment and family expenses.  He's taxed at every level and contributing heavily to a spectrum of jobs by simply running up and down the roads of America.  We should "share the wealth"?  What wealth?  We need to put every last idea into real life situations before we decide the future of this United States.