Once again I am reminded...

No matter the days gone by
The stories that make a song
There is always that goodbye
That was held too long

There will always be that pain
that guilt that cuts like a knife
She was taken long before her time
But not before so many were touched by her life

There was the thousand that came
To show their respect
Though none of us knew what to expect
Just one life could be missed no more

She left a husband and three sons

One with no one to cling to
One without a clue
The other without their closest confident

Its hard to imagine
Till it happens to you
Till you lose that person
That means so very much

She had a smile for all
A card for the sore
A visit for the old
As always, a worker to the core

That woman stood for what she believed
Standing behind her husband
Raising her sons to be a step ahead
All while keeping an eye on that finish line

That woman was my mother
My very best friend
No other can compare
Or even dare to replace

She was my comforter, my strength
My driving force for so long

The last I saw of her
She was shedding a tear for me
Not of sadness or fear
But of joy and peace
For her little boy is all grown up
And becoming that cattleman she always knew he could become.

That's my mother up there in the sky.
And one day soon, I shall meet her there
For that joyful day I shall look for
The meet her and Jesus I have waited so long

It's the road I have traveled
That makes this life worth every bet
But to know I have that goal ahead
Makes it worth that sunset ride

A Thank You

I was asked to write a short note on what impact 4-H volunteers had on my life and my success.

I spent over 10 years in 4-H and the whole time I was surrounded by people that volunteered their time and put much effort into supporting us kids and our activities. It was a wonderfully enriching experience that has given me priceless experiences. But the real affect the adult leaders had on me was not realized until my last year as a 4-Her. I realized that these people become family. During the worst week of our lives, my family and I had the support of so many friends. The loss of my mother was something unimaginable and tragic, but it is amazing what tragedies bring about. I found out that all the 4-H leaders in my life were not just there for 4-H activities. It meant so much to see these people supporting my family in hard times.

It is thanks to everyone that I knew through 4-H that I was able to go to college in spite of all the reasons not to go. I have now moved to Oklahoma State University and will be graduating May of next year. I attribute much of my success in college to my 4-H experiences.

4-H leaders contribute so much of their time enriching the lives of youth in their communities. Sharing their knowledge and experiences, these people do not realize how much of a difference they make in these kids' lives. I want to give a big thank you to all 4-H leaders for making such a big difference.