See you later...

It's been an interesting week.  And emotional.  Our good friend, Ernest, moved to Hong Kong, at least for the time being.  We met him about 4 1/2 years ago when he came to work for us on the ranch.  He seemed so young at the time, but I guess he was.

He came into our lives at just the right time.  A month prior to him coming to work for us, we lost our great friend/business partner/mentor, Matt.  That was, by far, the toughest thing we've ever been through.  Our cattle business was pretty young, barely finishing up our first year, and we were still figuring things out.

Ernest came to work for us in October 2007.  It was Andy's first experience managing an employee and I think it's fair to say that Andy learned as much as Ernest, if not more.  It was a learning experience for all of us.

J.T. and Ernest developed a special relationship too.  It started when J.T. was really into John Deere tractors and farming because Ernest did some hay making on the side.  J.T. used to love to ride with him.  This picture was taken in 2008.

Now J.T. is more into the cowboy and horse thing.  J.T. has been spending some time riding here at home and he insisted on having Ernest watch him ride before he left.

As time went on, Ernest became much more than an employee. He was truly interested in the success of our business.  Andy told me that Ernest made him want to be a better person.  I agree completely.  Its hard to put into words how much impact he's had on our lives.  The resulting relationship is definitely not something any of us expected.

"Sometimes you have to stop worrying, wondering, and doubting.  Have FAITH that things will work out, maybe not how you planned, but just how it's meant to be." ~unknown

This quote fits so perfectly.  We all need to remember to have faith that things will work out.  Many times I've heard the phrase that "God works in mysterious ways."  Isn't that the truth?  There are many times that we don't understand why something happens, but that's okay.

Ernest actually stopped working for us at the end of 2011, but he's been around to help with brandings, etc.  He and Andy have met for breakfast often and have had a great time discussing business, life, etc.  Ernest is, without a doubt, part of our family.  We will miss him a lot.

We are so proud of him for following his calling, even if it takes him across the world.  Saying good-bye was really, really tough on all of us.  I have to keep reminding myself that it isn't good-bye, it's see you later!

I see a trip to Hong Kong in our future....  :)