The Greatest Cow Story Ever!

We have three cows, Shadow and Ginger (our two heifers) and Batman (The Bull)! I felt it appropriate to capitalize Bull, because he is a bull, and he thinks he is superior!

We have had all three since birth. There mommy’s were part of our herd at one time so we got to be a part of their birth. Very cool! Our experience has been adventurous with these cows and most recently with Shadow which left a great impact on my perspective of motherhood.

Shadow was pregnant and due any day. On this particular day my husband informed me I needed to keep watch because she was going to have her baby.

He told me Shadow’s utters were filling up, meaning the baby (calf) would be coming soon.

It was about 10:40 am and I was at my neighbor’s house. I had to go pick Samy (my daughter) up so I figured I would have enough time because it was her first baby. What’s 30 minute right?

We pulled into the driveway and headed back to the stalls where the cows were. They were all in the shelter so I knew she was either in the process of having her baby or she already had it. Cows stand guard when this is occurring. At least this is our experience. I stopped the car (left it running) and ran over to where I could see inside. I saw Ginger standing in the back of the shelter and Batman in front with Shadow lying down. There was a little black baby laying there and not really moving. My heart sank because this is never a good sign.

I ran in and assessed the situation. It was definitely a little girl and she was in a position that cows typically do not lay in or that she should be in. I felt her body, fearing we had already lost her and she was still warm so I started rubbing her. I positioned her little head and legs and tried to get some sort of response out of her. I saw her close her eyes so I had hope. I kept rubbing her little body begging her to respond.

In the meantime Shadow had stood up and was intently watching me do this. She started moaning and grunting so I looked at her and she was staring at me. I looked right into her eyes, her soul (all God’s creations have souls) where I felt her communicate with me, pleading to help her with her baby.

Her instincts kicked in and she started licking her. I hoped this would stimulate this baby cow. We both worked hard trying to help her out. While I was in the process of wiping her little face off I felt a big sticky lick on the side of my cheek. I looked up, it was Shadow. She looked at me and I again looked into her big brown eyes and I could tell she was grateful, and then she proceeded to clean her baby.

Our efforts did not produce any response from this little one. I got up to call Scot so I could tell him what happened. He came home from work, but it was too late. She was gone.

This broke my heart. Babies are so fun especially baby cows (calves). I was going to miss seeing this little cute black calf run around by her mommy and play. Having cows or any type of animal like this on your land brings it to life! The land now has purpose but more than that, my heart broke for Shadow. When Scot took the little body out Shadow was quite upset. I could tell she knew. She knew her baby was gone. Her heart was broken.

This experience has made me realize that Shadow and I have similar qualities. I don’t know if it’s because she expressed affection towards me in that moment by licking my face or her willingness to give all she could to help her baby survive. She didn’t just walk away and abandon it. She knew this little offspring was hers and she had to take care of it. This puts her in the mother category.

All mothers (potential mothers) have this kind of connection. Instinctually we know we are supposed to take care of our offspring (children). This is the plan and this is what we do. This is what makes us (you) amazing, our willingness to sacrifice our personal interests to raise up our heritage, children, regardless of other responsibilities. Once you become a mother your focus and priorities shift and change to ensure you create the best environment for this child to thrive in. This will set you a part. Yes, there are many of us doing it but you are doing it your way and what works for your family environment making our communities, nations and this world a diverse and beautiful place to live because of what we (mothers) help contribute to it. This is why you are unique and why you matter!

Our world needs us! We need to be strong, confident women so we can raise strong, confident children who will one day contribute and become that generation to make a difference in a world climate that seems to be struggling. Pretty important stuff!

You are so important! I would go as far to say vital to your own communities. But most importantly vital to those little beings who call you mom! Look into their eyes! What do you see? A future full of hope and it’s because of you!

P.S. There will be more to come about Shadow, Ginger and Batman!

Come visit them at MothersAreAmazing.com.

Contact me at jennhalladay@mothersareamazing.com

#cows #mothers #motheringinstincts #motherconnections #strongmoms #momsareimportant