Kate Sanchez
Modern Day Heroes
March 16, 2017
Today’s superheroes aren’t adorned with a large “S” on their chest. They aren’t the ones who make a scene, swooping in to save the day, while letting everyone know they’re there. Today’s heroes exist in a more delicate manner. They fly under the radar, wanting little praise or recognition, yet their actions are unmistakable, and exceedingly endearing.
This past week I watched as more superheroes arose than one may even begin to think possible. As the recent fires ravished the panhandle of Texas, as well as parts of Oklahoma, Kansas, and Colorado, families were torn apart, livestock was lost, and homes were burnt to the ground. What was left for many was very little, but a flicker of hope was found as the ranching and agricultural communities in the surrounding areas banded together to help those in need.
As we all perused social media to stay up to date on the status of the impeding tragedy, devastation was a common thread felt by many. We read of young people whose lives were lost to save their livestock ahead of the flames, and others who were just trying to get home safely to their families, but never made it. These people are just like you and me, living their lives the way they saw fit, doing the very best they could for themselves and what they felt the need to take care of. As rancher’s and a ranching community, we are honored with the responsibility to care for our livestock. It’s put on our shoulders and deep in our hearts to give the very best care for, and to see that the well-being of our animals is our priority. At the same time, we are our brother’s keepers, so to speak. We share an unspoken bond and sense of responsibility to reach out to those in times of need, because we know that next time, it could very easily be us in the exact situation.
As families grieved, hearts wept, and so many asked why these things happen to some of our very best, ranching and agricultural families from near and far began to fill a void as best they could. Social media came alive, very little time was wasted, and generosity began flowing out of so many. From handmade items, such as chaps, bridles, and cowboy hardware, to horses and stallion services, auctions that benefitted Texas Panhandle fire victims and their families ramped up and brought in unfathomable amounts of money. The organization of checkpoints for feed, hay, and fencing supplies being brought into the affected areas was immaculate, and accounts at local organizations and banks were set up for donations, be they money or items. Individuals who felt the need to lend a helping hand came out in full force, donating much time and energy, as did large organizations such as the Working Ranch Cowboy’s Association (WRCA). The agricultural community did what they do the best: they came together in a time of great need.
Often you’d think a hero is one in just a few hundred, maybe even less. They’re uncommon people, and you can’t just find one around every corner. But I dare you to drive to the Panhandle of Texas this week. I dare you to try to count, single-handedly, how many superheroes you see in action. I bet you can’t. I would bet that you would see more people helping others than you have maybe in an entire lifetime. As we drove to Amarillo this past weekend we encountered several truckloads of hay, coming in from all directions. All were loaded down, several flying Texas state and American flags behind the cabs of their trucks, we knew exactly where they were headed. It was the kind of experience that would send chills down your spine; actions like these are so few in present time.
Out of the ashes, the smoke, the pure devastation, and the loss, arose a group of people like few have ever seen. In world recently so wrapped up in hate, greed, anger, and dispute, I’d encourage anyone, from the largest of cities to the smallest rural town in America to pay attention to what’s going on in West Texas. It’s not every day that you see so many superheroes in one location.
