Each day is a gift, not a given

We were all at the dinner table when the phone rang. The offspring had been hitting it hard all morning and I had been driving around checking cows and counting calves. My close relative answered the call and handed me the phone. I knew from the look on her face we didn't want to get the message.

A tractor turned over on a neighbor, pinned him underneath and, by the time he was found, he was almost dead. He was taken to the hospital and, after several hours he revived enough to take to surgery and hope was given to his family. He is hanging on and now we are wondering what kind of quality of life this man will have. He may recover fine or just make a fine line of recovery.

We were among a throng of men who showed up to take care of the injured man's chores. He had a place that was so hilly and rocky that we decided to take horses the next morning to check cattle. We took care of all we could find to do that evening and agreed to meet the next morning early. The close relatives had arrived to take care of the home and brought food for the family.

We were not surprised by the terrain, but old Snip sure didn't like it. He hesitates to climb hills and would rather walk around! We did check cattle, penned and sprayed the cows and calves as the spray had been mixed and was ready to use. One cannot read the mind of another but we sure figured it was meant to be used, so we did. The chores around the barn were taken care of pretty fast and some of the men repaired doors and corral fences.

My thoughts were jumbled and my head hurt. We all drive equipment that is dangerous, we interact with animals that are apt to injure us daily. We drive on highways at excessive speeds, eat greasy French fries and refuse to see a doctor when we need to. I began to think hard about the things that I should take care of before I cash in. All the unpleasant thoughts made my heartburn kick in and I grabbed the antacid bottle and ate a handful!

It was dark before I got back to headquarters after working on the water line in the pump house on the south place. The lights were on and I was sure glad to see it -- like a candle in the window! Good news, the surgery was successful, he is talking and will be able to recover if the Lord allows.

It is my opinion, and everyone has one, each day is a gift, not a given, and we might be called on at any moment. We are obligated to take care of our business, see an attorney and do it right so the ones left know how to take care of the leftovers! My close relative made us an appointment to take care of this matter next week. I hate knowing that I am not immortal, but we gotta talk about it. Do it and get it over with, and if you want to eat chili and drink milk at the same time, go for it even if your Granny said it would kill you!

Bill is the pen name used by the Gravette area author of this weekly column. Opinions expressed are those of the author.

Editorial on 08/15/2018