Utah Bob #35998 Posted December 23, 2022 Share Posted December 23, 2022 I call this’n Bethlehem Ranch That Christmas Eve the birth was hard, no refuge from the snow. The cold wind howled just like a Banshee’s scream The storm had dulled his senses to the point where time slowed down. He seemed to move as if trapped in a dream. A piece of rope around the hooves, a slow and steady pull. He felt the cow 's last breath and knew she'd passed. He knew to give this calf even the slimmest chance at life, his fading strength would somehow have to last. With one last pull the deed was done. He wrapped the blanket tight. He grabbed the newborn calf and held it near. Then after what seemed much too long, he saw the breath of life and heard the newborn’s heartbeat in his ear. No time to lose, the storm grew ever stronger in the night! With babe in hand he mounted his strong bay. His dog barked once, then once again and dashed off through the white, as if to say, “Come on. I’ll lead the way” And down they headed from that pasture cloaked in snow and ice. One babe, one dog, one horse, one fearless man. The wind and snow conspired to make their progress far too slow. The cowboy prayed as only cowboys can. And as the first glow of the sun came faintly from the east the ranch house beckoned dimly in the gloom. So near that he could almost hear the children’s shouts of joy when he would laugh and burst in to the room. At last they made the barn and stood in silence in the dark. The bay stood still and calmly ate his grain. He watched the dog dash to the house, announcing their return. His hands were numb, his body wracked with pain. “Too cold out here for you my friend” he told the newborn babe. Looks like this day you’ll spend some time inside. His family watched as he laid the calf down gently by the fire. And then said Merry Christmas with some pride. He was a simple rancher, not a wealthy one by far. His time on earth was filled with work and strife. But that one Christmas he was proud to risk so much to do his best to give the gift of life. And as the storm abated and the howling wind grew still the family went to bed but he....not yet. He gazed up at the stars and knew that this one Christmas day Would be one that he never would forget Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackwater 53393 Posted December 23, 2022 Share Posted December 23, 2022 ACES!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phantom Falcon, SASS # 46139 Posted December 23, 2022 Share Posted December 23, 2022 Dang it, UB, my screen is blurry. Nice job! Merry Christmas! PF Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calamity Kris Posted December 24, 2022 Share Posted December 24, 2022 Awesome!!! Thanks UB. Merry Christmas to you as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tex Jones, SASS 2263 Posted December 24, 2022 Share Posted December 24, 2022 Thanks, Bob. Merry Christmas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeaconKC Posted December 24, 2022 Share Posted December 24, 2022 Thank you very much! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dusty Devil Dale Posted December 24, 2022 Share Posted December 24, 2022 Truly Exceptional !!!!!! (Again! - I always enjoy your writings) Very Merry Christmas to you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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