Written by Colton Jones
About ten years ago when I started helping Dan manage the ranch, one of the first things he taught me about buffalo, was that for every attempt failed, lies an opportunity. It’s a concept that I’ve embraced since that day.
The same concept can be applied to the current global crisis. Unfortunately, media outlets tend to spotlight the negative, which at times, makes it impossible to not have some kind of emotional response to an event that has changed so many lives in such a short period of time. But, at the same time, opportunity offers a remedy to do things better.
A month and a half ago, Jilian and I had a discussion with our good friend Tahnee, who cares for our two boys while we are working, as to how we should handle the current coronavirus situation. We decided it would be best to suspend her trips to the ranch in an effort to exercise social distancing. Following Tahnee’s absence and school closings, Jilian, Dan, Jill and I have been sharing the workload of watching the boys.
It’s not unusual for the two of them to jump in the pickup with me and do chores around the ranch. It takes a bit longer, but the company they provide is a good trade-off. They've also spent time at the harvest site on those days we're harvesting the buffalo at the Cheyenne River Ranch. Over the last eight weeks, they’ve gained full doses of those tasks, and then some.
Watching them learn tangible skills such as, gun safety, to properly caring for and moving the harvested buffalo into the mobile truck, to driving a pickup or hooking up a trailer is gratifying. The thought of young and upcoming help on the ranch is any father’s dream. It’s the intangible knowledge that comes in the form of respect, patience and compassion that truly makes me appreciative of my recent time spent with the boys. This “knowledge” has become evident in our conversations during our now traditional ‘end of the workday’ fishing hole visits.
We discuss the day’s events, and also how and why our lives have changed the way they have. I try my best to address every question with the most honest answer possible; and I’ve learned that sugar coating things results in immediate and/or delayed confusion.
I give explanations to sensitive questions rooting from their experiences that day. Birth, death, economy and a pandemic are a few notable and recent topics. Their reactions to my explanations are more practical than most adults in which I have had similar conversations with.
I can’t help but admire the compassion they exhibit in their conversations with one another. I noticed this while my oldest son Lincoln, tried his hand at explaining to his younger brother as to why we were returning the fish back to the water instead of eating them. Lincoln’s explanation of, “We only take what we need” had me beaming.
Much like Dan did with me, I’ve tried to use the time with my boys to show them that although something negative may be staring them in the face, an opportunity to have a hand in making an improvement is somewhere in the distance. I hope anyone who is feeling down during these strange times can look beyond the bad and ask themselves, “How can I lend my hand in making this better”?
Although I admittedly have been going to bed earlier, Jilian reminds me that, “Even though you may be exhausted after running with two little cowboys all day, these times are limited. So, cherish them...”
So, cherish them I have.
27 comments
Great how you’ve spelt it out. At this age in their lives you are God. Keep it real and they’ll see that some day you rate all the respect for all the right reasons.
Well done Colton and Jilian! From parents of adult children, it’s great to see younger parents investing time and love in their own children. Cherish the time with your small ones, they are your legacy. As the saying goes, the world may be a better place because you chose to take part in the life of a child.
Hello Coltan, thank you for the lovely letter, and adorable photo’s. It was very refreshing to read how you are mentoring and parenting your boys. It is in the parenting to raise a child, to become a successful adult.
Beautiful story and wonderful writing. I don’t think I’m gonna have the blues today after reading this!!!
Loved the stories, the “atmosphere”, and the descriptions of the boys and their adventures on the ranch. It is a beautiful reminder of fond times of horses, open spaces, fishing, and family. Thank you for taking the time to journal these stories and for sharing them. Life is beautiful and as I keep trying to focus… if you have breath, you have a chance. Indeed, we all have a chance .. let’s not give up, and just look for the beauty. Eleanor Roosevelt was quoted and I paraphrase, head into the storm, it’s the shortest way through it. I remember that being said of the buffalo, but I defer to your opinion as you are much more familiar with their “thoughts” … May God bless you and your sweet family and wonderful animals.
Great story, Colton. You and Dan are raising more than bison. You’re raising a culture built on character. Now, more than ever, that will define us. Stay the course.
I’m still trying to figure out how to get you some carbon credits for the native grasses you are also raising. Very impressive carbon capture should be calculated and rewarded. Wish me luck. Calling Ducks Unlimited next.
pas de meilleure vie que la vie dans un ranch en plein air ,, decouvrir chaque jour quelque chose de nouveau ,, cela fera de robustes américains ,,,,,,,
Well said. You have inherited your fathers gift of writing well and on point. I do believe that as these trying times continue for awhile, we will all find, sometimes forgotten, sometimes discovered, , new and different ways of doing things, and the benefits that can accrue..thank you for that reminder! Best!
Well done, Colton and Jilian. You are raising boys who will respect our planet, and no doubt serve it well as they grow older.
Thank you Colton. You have a great mentor in Dan, and you are a great mentor for your boys. What goes around comes around.
I LOVE the chronicles of the buffalo brothers! Those boys work harder than some adults.
A couple of characters that live an extraordinary life. Thanks for the optimistic perspective!
Hi Colton, greetings from here in lock down UK. You are right, make the most of these times with your two young sons, it is always time well spent for both you and them. It not only helps them understand the philosophy that governs what you do on the ranch and at Wild Idea but gives them a sense of place. You are their role model, as are all the adults in the family and just spending time with kids you love keeps you young, grounded and its fun, hard work but really fun..