April 15th 2023

“Have I got a partner?"

All week I've been reminded of a specific memory that almost always comes to mind when I think about my grandfather. One year over Christmas break when I was in high school my siblings and I were taught (with an abundance of patience) how to play euchre. My grandfather had played cards on his lunch break every single day for years in the Ford factory and he was amazing at counting cards, and knowing what everyone had in their hand, to a degree that always seemed a bit heroic to me. Playing cards with him became an easy way to bond when teenage years make everything awkward and challenging. Now, whenever I think of my grandfather I think of one precise moment in time sitting across the dining table, we'd won a round of cards and he kind of snickered, and reached across the table to highfive me and said, "Boy, have I got a partner?" He radiated pride that was a bit out of the ordinary for our relationship, and I remember feeling elated not merely that we'd won, but that we'd worked together and played off of each other's strengths. I've thought about that moment over and over because this week has felt rather similar. We had a ton of work to do and the weather was perfect. This was our best chance and I could feel the pressure to make the most of it. Playing cards with a partner is the same as anything else, sometimes you lead, and other times you're the one showing up to support. I've experienced both this week. I've pushed myself and the horses to get the fieldwork done, I've shown up and tried to be flexible with staffing changes and other departments' needs, but I've also had coworkers and volunteers show up to help wrap up a long day, or tell me to go home while they finish the chores. This mutual support goes for the horses too. Scout needs me at my very best, and some days even then she still pushes me to be more attentive, more patient, and more aware. When I don't have the ability to be everything she needs me to be I hitch Sam and Scooter instead because I know that if my mind is a little groggy from a long week that they will be there to support me. I know they'll take care of me and I trust them to do it. Learning this dance of giving and receiving support has been a huge point of growth, and honestly, it isn't a homerun every single time, but I have never had anyone that I've made an effort to reach out to who hasn't appreciated the effort, even if my attempt was imperfect. And honestly, I feel like the more I push myself to be intentional the more it pays off. I get immense joy from showing up for people. It's never perfect or polished but it's genuine and I'm absolutely convinced that that's what most of us really crave. I don't know where in your life (or who in your life) you need to show up for, but I can promise you that if you make the leap, no matter what happens, you'll be proud that you did. I certainly know there are a few moments, even this week, that people have shown up for me, that I'll carry about as close to my heart as a certain game of cards.