by Charlotte.

My Dad-in-law died recently.

He was raised in a different time with different rules.  He appreciated the Great Basin traditions without making more of them than should be.  I know he taught his sons and daughters proper cowboy etiquette. 

He taught them not to cut people off when you are working cattle and to help each other out in a herd.  He taught them respect and team work.  I have heard that he always roped with a reata when he branded calves.  He had many shots in his satchel when it came to the branding pen, all depending on the opportunities that presented themselves. 

He had the wisdom to marry a truly wonderful lady, one whose outside beauty is matched only by her inward beauty.  Then they had a few kids.

Even though all he had ever wanted to do was ranch, he had the courage to leave all he knew and start in a different direction.  He started a feed store in an area a few hours from where he and his wife were raised.  And as near as can happen on earth, he lived happily ever after – except that he wasn’t on a ranch.

I shall miss his smile, his sense of humor, his stories, his opinions, and well. . . him.

Love, Charlotte