The Passing of an Era

Onyx and Pearl

As you may have read from the adventures of Pearl and Onyx, it was a year full of surprises. I have to say taking care of a mother cow and a calf was one of the best gifts I received this year. You may say what a strange thing to say. It is true, it’s a little strange especially if you don’t care for farm animals. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed taking care of the entire herd. They all have different personalities and do funny things. But watching an animal grow from birth is something special.  Onyx, the mother cow was a bit rough when she first came, and it was by being gentle with her that she in turn responded by becoming gentler and trusting towards me. Watching Pearl, the calf, explore the world was very sweet as well. One of the first days she was let into the pasture, she galloped so fast past me that there was a black cloud left behind her, just like in the cartoons. As she grew, she reminded me more of a disgruntled teenager than her gentle mother. One day I decided to give her a splash of water as she walked by just to see what she would do. She shook her self-off, turned around gave, me a look of disgust and walked away, as if to say, “What an inconsiderate thing to do.”

Then there were the steers, always busy staying on the side of the pasture where the cow and calf can be seen, either being protective or nosy. While the cow grazed her side of the pasture down to nothing, they laid around doing… well… nothing. I have to say they were all obedient to the whistle. As soon as they heard it, they were waiting for their turn to have some grain.

These are sweet memories I will cherish as this year is the last year we do farming. Our community has had cows/steers for many years, and I was able to hear some of the nun’s stories about the times past. The experiences good and bad allowed us to grow in dependence on God and the intercession of the saints in the happenings of each day.  

Farming has become quite expensive and time-consuming and so for us it’s time to let it go. May God be praised for the experiences he allowed us to have, and the lessons learned from it.

Sr. Teresa of Divine Mercy, O.C.D.