Catalyst

There are moments that serve as a catalyst for great change in life.  Pretty much every good and important story in my family's history starts with something that seems crazy and maybe even out of the blue.  But these are not rash decisions... they are responses to deep conviction and understanding of what is truly important.  They are reorienting events that precede what becomes 'our story'.  Marvin and I had a catalyst moment when we came home in April 1996 for Kirk Banquet and had a conversation around Mama and Daddy's dinner table that opened our eyes to new possibilities.  Within 6 short weeks we had made a decision to change our lives; Marvin had retired from his job of 20 years, we had put our house on the market, sold it, and arrived here in town with our 4 month old baby and a large moving truck.  I know that decision seemed rash to many who knew us at the time, but it was actually a matter of us finally doing what was there before us all along.  And the rest, as they say, is history.  Our history.  A beautiful story that I wouldn't change for anything.  

That little 4 month old boy, who was such a part of our determination to make a new life, has come to a similar point in his life.  He and Brianna started talking about what they want their own lives to look like.  (funny how little ones often spur these big changes in our lives, isn't it)  When Covid hit, Hobby Lobby closed, and things were upended, it gave them time to really think, evaluate and pray about what their future could be.  We have all long thought that there should be a way to make a living out here at Willis Creek Ranch, if one or both of the 'the boys' wanted to put in the time and effort.  Not many places already have land and a horse barn...  Sure enough, Jackson has felt the calling to return to his roots and create a business out here at Willis Creek Ranch.  He has a short term goal, mid term goals, and long term plans.  He and Brianna have also been scrupulous with their finances and have saved enough to get by for quite some time while Jackson focuses on building his dream.  

We are so thrilled for them and love that they are following in the footsteps of long-standing family tradition!  It has also meant that for this spring and summer, we are all able to be together since they quarantined and have stayed that way.  Once Brianna returns to her teaching position in the fall, things will change for us, but we will work all that out when the time comes.  Jackson, however, will be boarding horses here at Willis Creek Ranch, along with a few other neat opportunities he is working on.  So, stay tuned... there will be more information (and a website) forthcoming!  

"farm meeting"   :)