Kate Sanchez  The Life of a Ranch Wife”

We all know the lyrics of “Mamas don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys”.
What’s most amazing about this song is that everything that’s mentioned, those things perhaps thought to be some of the downfalls of these men, is exactly what makes us all fall for that baby who grew up to be one.
As I’ve written about before, I come from a place with few cowboys, if any at all.  Upstate NY doesn’t boast a population of Wrangler or Levi wearing, straw hat sporting, pearl snap shirt type of men; not to say that there’s anything wrong with that, it’s just fact.  So, when I moved to Portales, NM over 10 years ago, I was not only in for a culture shock in terms of location but also because of how people treated one another, especially this breed of men who were around every corner.
I remember walking into the dorms on campus one afternoon, after a long tiring day of soccer practice (had I mentioned that I attended ENMU on a soccer scholarship?), and having a door held open for me, by someone my age, for the first time in my life.  I thanked the gentleman, and he said “yes, ma’am”.    Now, looking back I understand, that was an eye-opener moment to me which would only become more common in my life.
When I met my husband I quickly learned that manners and respect weren’t just a façade or tall tale about cowboys.  Everything you read about them is pretty accurate, the songs that are written about them ring true in many instances, and when you hear someone say that they are a rare and dying breed, take heed to that.
Majority of the time, being men of few words, cowboys only say what they mean, but always mean what they say.  Silence is golden to them, and if it’s not worth saying, they don’t bother.  Often approaching life with reckless abandon, some might call them drifters, ruffians, or men with a “gypsy soul”; but they experience life in a way that very few ever can.  When they rise before the sun every morning, they may not always know where they’re headed or what they’ll be doing; but you can guarantee that they’ll be breathing in the dust of their biggest dreams.  Whether it’s on a wagon for spring works, or just out in the pasture on the land assigned to him, a culture of men has been developed like no other.  They’re kind, light hearted, and often witty, but level headed and realistic.  They approach life one instance at a time, because they know if they do too much planning ahead that they’ll be two steps behind the rest of the day.
In a world where respect, honor, and dignity are becoming so lost, they continue to be time-honored traditions of these men.  Not only do they tend to the land, the cattle, and horses and everything that goes with it; but they pay attention to detail, are courteous, and always punctual.  I’ve been present more than a few instances when I’ve seen these men take the time out of their busy schedule to help a young child work on their roping skills.  I’ve seen them gather up a newborn calf and pack it several miles on their trusty horse because it’s too weak to make it all the way with mama.  I’ve been there when a young man, new to a ranch or operation, listens and takes advice from an elder, who shares his wisdom of the country and the cattle; how to work with a crew, and how to utilize the tools provided to the best of the newcomer’s abilities.
And I’ve been there in what could be the toughest of times for these men who seem so bullet-proof.  When their best dog, and best friend of several years must be put down, or when a calf is lost in the middle of a snow storm.  Perhaps it’s when their biggest role model, the one who has shaped them into the person they are, passes way, and the tears aren’t held back any longer.  No matter the situation, I’ve been fortunate enough to see the cowboy in many different lights, and good or bad, the world could use more men like them.
It appears legend has it that a cowboy will never settle down, that he’ll be wild his whole life…. maybe only part of that is true.  The same man who is compassionate about his job, the land and livestock will treat you that same way.  He’ll be attentive, a nurturer and a provider.  You’ll be guaranteed lots of laughs, quite a few tears too; and while there may not be a white picket fence surrounding your front yard, your heart will be full.  You’ll always know you’re loved by a cowboy…you’re loved by the very best.
So, mamas, I plead to you: please let your babies grow up to be cowboys.

Note: Photo courtesy of Trevor Hale