I don’t know how it happened! I gave birth to a cowboy, a horse loving, an I can’t skip but I can gallop child. We aren’t cowboy people, we live in the country but we have never owned or been able to afford horses. I had cousins growing up that had horses and I rode a bit, but other than a huge crush on John Wayne at one point in my life I don’t really even know any cowboys! I have always loved a good rodeo and have attended at least one a year all my life, but watching a cowboy from the stands is not the same thing at all.

But this boy was born loving all things cowboy, all things horse, all things spurs, round-ups, roping and rodeo. When he was learning to talk, some of his first words were quotes from John Wayne movies. When he wanted to watch tv or a movie it was always a John Wayne or one of his most favorites……Snowy River! He had them all memorized and even if he left the room when they were playing or went outside to act out his favorite part, he knew exactly what was happening and where the movie should be when he came back in. He wore out almost 4 stick horses riding and roping and whooping and hollering around the house and yard.

He was an awful cute kid! But I watched him for years wondering where it came from. He has a real talent for teaching and training horses and was lucky enough to live near 2 men who knew horses and loved them. They were family friends and they got a real kick out of this little boy who wanted to ride and rope so badly. They taught him how to ride without a saddle so he could learn great balance. They taught him how to rope, tie off, saddle, take care of his tack and take care of his animal. They took him on rides, trips, rodeos, they fostered his talent and his love.

As time went on we all learned that he had a real feel for horses and a natural connection. He has turned into a gifted trainer and has had great success with even troubled horses. He’s been referred to as a horse whisperer, that brings a grin to his face. I have loved watching him grow into a man, into a father, into a husband and yes into a cowboy. He’s actions and the way he lives make me proud, but the fact that he’s a cowboy just tickles me. He will probably always be that little boy who galloped down the street on his stick horse with a whoop and a holler. He will always be looking for the next horse, the next round-up, the next adventure, all the while telling his stories and grinning like he just won the lottery.

Now he has the opportunity to ride his own horse, to take his daughters riding and teach them about the thing he loves so much. He rides, he trains, he works a full time job and a side job on a ranch. He’s blessed to have a supportive wife who understands that being married to a cowboy doesn’t always mean you come first. She is patient and kind and indulges his passions and hobbies and she goes along for the ride!

His oldest daughter Cecily is becoming quite the horse lover too, at least we know with her where she gets it from. She’s daddy’s little girl and wants to be riding and helping. The don’t live near us, so we watch through pictures and videos and texts as the children grow and Aaron rides. I wish we could see more. I’ve always loved watching him ride and I would love to see him ride with his girls.

Watching our little cowboy turn into this fine young man is a very tender thing for a mom. I’m so proud of who he is and who he’s becoming. I’m so proud of his strength, his leadership abilities, his tenderness with his family. I’m so proud that he is a good hard working, responsible man who takes care of his family and still finds a little time to carve out for his cowboy dreams. I’m so grateful he chose his wife carefully, so they could be well matched and pull through life together, equally yoked, finding happiness and peace. He has a good life, he’s happy, he’s loved, he’s my favorite cowboy!

When you’re raising children it’s often difficult, usually the hardest work you will ever do. It’s easy to push on them your hopes and dreams and also to try and protect them from getting hurt or having their dreams come crashing down on them. We tried to find people to help Aaron with his dreams, but we also stressed education and “finding a real job”. I didn’t want to smash his dreams but who really grows up to be John Wayne? Even John Wayne wasn’t really John Wayne! But with just enough encouragement and just enough hope and just enough of a reality check, kids can find a way to dream and maybe even have it all.

I am the Mother of a Cowboy. Still don’t quite understand how it happened, but I’m grateful it did.