I live about seven miles as the crow flies, or actually, as the bike pedals, from Kenyon Brothers, a small family-owned dairy that has survived here since the barns were built in 1895. Anyone witnessing the suburban sprawl far west of Chicago knows their survival has been no small feat.
Many had been the time that I have stopped to watch these cows, especially on days when I need to shake off a little too much computer time.
I appreciate those cows.
I appreciate that, in the range of possible circumstances a dairy cow might end up in, the herd here has done pretty well, able to enjoy acres of rotating pasture, with shade trees, mud wallows and very little traffic to disturb them. My in-laws had a farm and my husband grew up milking by hand (as they could not afford to mechanize their farm). I have farmers on my side of the family as well. Being around these cows, particularly after they emerge from the barn after their afternoon milking relaxes me.
It also makes me smile.
You might remember my friend, Christopher, of the blue jay story. Another "Christopherism" (I need a catchier name) comes from his retelling me the first time he had seen a cow.
He was very well into adulthood, working for the phone company, having left his deeply urban Chicago existence in search of a better life for himself when it happened. He was working in the Far West suburbs (he still does), fielding repair assignments further and further west, into a region that held several small farms.
"There I was, just driving down the road when I looked over and there was a COW in the field. A COW! I almost lost control of my vehicle. I had to pull over to the side of the road and just look at it. I could not believe my eyes. All I kept thinking to myself was, 'Somebody owns that cow."
I get to see Christopher next week. He just went to his first ever college commencement, for a graduating nephew. Hearing just the wee bit I did about his impressions of the college and the ceremony...how life changing and beautiful it looked through his one eye...I can't wait to hear the full story.
The world as seen by Christopher...it's a marvel and a joy. Happens to be the same one you and I live in. Who knew?
Hopefully we will, more and more. I'm pretty sure seeing is contagious.
Comments